Author: Sephira

Born and raised primarily in Northern Virginia, my family and I moved to North Carolina in 2006. Married for over 20 years, my husband and I have two boys and a gaggle of cats. For me, writing is a great stress reliever. I can let my mind wander and let my emotions run free in a way that is generally not possible in my normal everyday life. My writings run the gamut in terms of style and genre – for instance my first novel is a historical romance set in the Civil War, but some of the other things I have in the works are fantasy or thrillers, among other things. It probably goes without saying, but my poetry is somewhat eclectic in nature, and again while some may feel the need to stick with a particular form, I tend to write just whatever comes to mind. Let the winds of inspiration lead me on… I’m always interested in comments and feedback. So please feel free to share your thoughts with me!
~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

holdingthebowl:

HALLOWEEN TIPS FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

  1. Before You Plan Your Halloween Fun
  2. How to Make a Halloween Costume for a Child with Sensory Integration Dysfunction
  3. Halloween Costumes for Kids in Wheelchairs
  4. How to Make an Emergency Last-Minute Costume
  5. Halloween on a Restricted Diet
  6. Halloween “Trick or Treat” Cards and Sign
  7. Treats Too Tricky? Try Some Sweet Charity
  8. 12 Ways to Use Up Halloween Candy
  9. How Do You Celebrate Halloween With a Child With Special Needs?
  10. Halloween With Special Needs: Tell Your Scariest Story
  11. What Do You Do With Leftover Candy?
~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

smashfold:

Introducing: Depression!

This is the third in a series of plushies based on mental health conditions. The Depression monster is saggy and lethargic, weeping constantly and transfering its feeling to others as some relief from its own pain. I love the way that everything in this design is turned-downwards – it’s a slump in fabric form! The Depression plush is one big huggable ball of fluff, and warming and soft to hold, with elongated arms which can cover up its eyes and glomp onto things. My own experience of Depression is very close to Toby’s concept – it feels like something heavy and soft clinging to the back of my head, making everything more sluggish.

Depression is made of minky and luxury, tangled faux-fur. This plush contains no wire for maximum huggability. The plush isn’t quite as spherical as the image – mostly to save you guys on postage.costs, as the extra bulk was adding a lot to the toy’s weight, but the slightly sleeker design gives the finished product the look of a creature trying to curl up and hide.

Real Monsters

The Real Monsters were created in 2013 by Toby Allen,
and envisaged mental health conditions as monsters who literally
followed you around. Cute yet also kind creepy, who wouldn’t want an
Anxiety of their very own to hold, or a floompy Depression critter? I am
currently partnering with him to bring them to life as limited edition
plushies.

Depression will be slumping its way to your postbox in the autumn.

Until then – as always – shares, watches, and reblogs make this happen.

Emily: Tumblr | Email | DeviantArt | WordPress | Facebook | Twitter |

Toby: Tumblr | Email

~ Sephira ~ Leave a comment

loveacceptautistics:

For the month of October, PACLA will be sharing information to help make Halloween safe & accessible for everyone! Autistic children deserve a #posAutive experience in an often overwhelming time of
year. We ALL do. Look for the hashtag #AccessibleHalloween, contribute your own ideas and accommodations, and share widely! The more people we reach, the more inclusive we can make this holiday. Thanks and may we all have a HAPPY and #AccessibleHalloween!

Image Description: Orange textured background, with a large hashtag at the top, #accessiblehalloween, and a large number 1. A black banner stretches across the meme, with white text reading:

Strobe light might seem fun to create a “scary” atmosphere, but they are not safe for those with epilepsy or sensory sensitivities to lights. Strobe lights can trigger seizures and migraines. Lanterns and soft, glowing lights are a safe alternative that will let ALL know they are welcome.

facebook.com/ParentingAutisticChildrenWithLoveAcceptance