Reagan's Family Care

12/14/2025

Many children on the autism spectrum are given an additional diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Sometimes that diagnosis fits but more often I feel it deserves a closer look.

ODD is defined by a pattern of intentional defiance and hostility. The autistic behaviors that look “oppositional” are frequently rooted in communication challenges, sensory overload, anxiety, cognitive inflexibility, or difficulty with emotional regulation, not willful defiance.

If a child cannot:
• Process language quickly
• Tolerate sensory input
• Express frustration or fear
• Transition without support

…then refusal may be self-protection, not opposition.

12/13/2025

Samantha and I stopped at the Madison life saving center for New Lease on Life today (I volunteer with them and foster/transport when I can). Denise told us to pick a puppy and take a pic with the Grinch….

Y’all someone NEEDS this puppy. He is the chillest and sweetest snuggle bug! He looks like snoopy but his name is Lincoln! Someone needs to get him before we end up with an emotional support puppy for Oso. 😅

12/13/2025

A late start this morning after a quick turnaround trip to Florida and back. Grateful for grace, flexibility, and small moments of joy because even Santa sneaks can brighten a long week and boost morale! ❤️



and … always.

12/12/2025

If you want a quick overview of what the Miracle Leage of Madison is working towards, check this out!

12/07/2025

SPROUT: Strong Parents Reaching Out, Uniting Together, a caregiver education workshop focused on Toilet Training, on December 11, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at the AIDB North Campus in Decatur.

Hosted by the AIDB RISE Autism Program and the Opelika Regional Center Early Intervention team, this session offers supportive, practical guidance for caregivers. We’re honored to welcome Nicole Mishkin, BCBA, as our guest speaker.
Scan the QR code to register! 🌱✨

12/05/2025

On my mind lately.

1-Seeing prescriptions written for “autism symptoms”
2-parents posting in support groups the incredibly long lists of medications their nonverbal child is on asking for other parents help because they have no idea where else to turn.

Behaviors in our nonverbal kids are so often dismissed as “just autism” when in reality they are likely the only way the child knows how to communicate that something is wrong. Pain. Anxiety. Sensory overload. Fear. Medical conditions. Being mistreated. Routine changes. Or even as simple as my sock is on crooked.

I know these behaviors can be incredibly difficult, overwhelming, and exhausting for families, caregivers, teachers, and providers.
I really do get that. But too often, instead of looking deeper into the root of the behavior, we seek to medicate the very signals that should prompt us to ask, “what is this behavior trying to tell me?”

These kids are not “bad.” They are not “defiant.” They are not “problems.”
Just because they don’t communicate in the typical way that we are used to doesn’t make them any less human.
We have got to do better for these kids.

They deserve to be understood, not silenced. Heard, not managed. And supported, not dismissed. 🩷

12/03/2025

🩷💛🩵
We love Wildflower Wonders Play-Based Therapy and know they are going to be a huge and amazing success.
It takes a village and we are working on it, I promise!

Now HIRING!!! 🌼 Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Wildflower Wonders – Madison, Alabama • Opening Spring 2026 Flexible Scheduling • Play-Based • Child & Family-Centered Wildflower Wonders is a brand-new, play-based therapy and family support clinic opening soon in Madison, Alabama ....

12/03/2025

🩷💛🩵 Oso 🩵💛🩷
This handsome man is missing his peeps. 😢

12/03/2025

MEDICAID, WAIVERS, &
SPECIAL EDUCATION

Do you have questions about Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, or
special education services for developmental disabilities?
Join us for a FREE in-person workshop in JACKSON COUNTY
to learn how to navigate systems and services presented by Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program on
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at
10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Two Sessions with a break for lunch.

Schedule:
• 10:30-11:30 Medicaid & Medicaid Waiver
LUNCH BREAK -
12:30-2:00 Special Education & IEPs

Presented by:
Cecilia Ballinger and Christina Norris
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program

Scottsboro Public Library
1002 S Broad Street
Scottsboro, AL 35768

3 Options to Register:
Call 256.824.5700
Email uahran@uah.edu
Scan QR Code or click the link in our bio to register.

*Funded in part by the
Alabama Department of
Mental Health

12/02/2025

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” ….

Also Santa sneakers!!
I had the cutest little elderly lady giggling at me this morning before she said merry Christmas to me. ❤️







You can schedule with me on Fridays until my schedule is updated with the expansion at Rocket City Pediatrics in january
Posting the google form again below so it’s accessible. If for some reason, you don’t have a Google account or can’t get it to work you can call the office to schedule
xoxo
See you soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5ad6E2NlxUYKU3Cjm7X4ztP-h9vRU1ErO3_05TnfHsnDMqg/viewform

12/01/2025

🎄 Mark Your Calendars!
🚒 2025 Huntsville Firefighters Association L1833 – Special Needs Christmas Dance

We’re excited to share this wonderful community event! Join the Huntsville Firefighters Association for an afternoon of food, music, dancing, and festive fun — with the possibility of a special surprise visitor! 🎅✨

📅 Sunday, December 7, 2025
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Jaycee Building – 2200 Jaycee Way
🌟 All ages welcome!

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the generous local businesses supporting this event:
🍗 Zaxby’s
🍕 Donatos Pizza – All Locations
🥤 Buffalo Rock – Huntsville Location
🛠️ Home Depot – North Memorial Parkway Location

Please consider showing your appreciation by supporting these businesses in return!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact:
📞 Tracy Christa – 256-426-8342

We hope many of our families will join in the holiday fun! 💙

12/01/2025

Mark you calendars for Wednesday, December 10th from 9:30am-1:00pm for a Christmas Party and Movie Day for the Adult Special Needs Community. All the fun is happening at Cultivate Church on South Jefferson Street.

Here's what you need to know:
Doors open at 9:00am.
At 9:30am the movie ELF will begin.
Following the movie there will be a fun party including games, crafts, Santa,food, and more.

Seating is limited. Registration is required at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/Kry832PBWe