In the midst of living a life that is mostly defined by the specific needs that accompany one's special needs journey, issues arise as a result of the diagnosis that definitely do not make the top ten list!

For example, while delayed toilet training is a natural part of early childhood conversations, it ceases to become a focus once your child has passed a certain age. Some of us live with the reality that for the most part, toilet training can be checked off the list of mastered tasks. Emphasis on 'for the most part' which is why I delight in saying, "That's why God invented Depends".

Rather than focus on what's not happening developmentally, I've chosen the alternative route: Creative Solutions. Depends is at the top of my list! Correction: the top of my list runs horizontally rather than vertically.

When small motor issues make the task of tying shoe- laces so challenging that frustration was around the corner, Velcro was my salvation! A brilliant solution when your child is young given the variety of sneakers with Velcro options. Not so as your child turns to adult sizes when Velcro is no longer available and/or cool. Enter slip on shoes. The perfect option to encourage independence, comfort and a touch of hip thrown in!

Similarly, small motor issues are problematic when it comes to zippers, buttons and snaps. Young children have many options for elastic waist pants and shorts, it doesn't occur to the consumer or manufacturer that this option wouldn't be available. Not so for the older child which presents a conundrum of unusual proportions. Shadowing your aging child is not realistic, nor does it foster independence, and so, the search for an alternative quickly entered my life. Fashion trends dictate the apparel world; elastic does not make the cut with the major jean manufacturers for larger sizes. Thrilled to be ready for double digit-sized pants, daunted by the appalling lack of options that would fit Luke's needs LLBean came to the rescue! Elastic waist cords, jeans and kakis are now a staple in Luke's wardrobe.

You get the drift, which is why we'd love to hear from you. We expect the floodgates to open with your creative solutions that will inspire others, shake imaginations, spur new solutions and above all, provide a giggle and reminder that in the midst of navigating the challenges of daily life, normal may not be so far away!

We welcome your anecdotes at MileMarkers@Lambdoodle.com and look forward to creating a collection of creative solutions to share with the Lambdoodle community.