Hi and welcome to Chicken Nugs and Mama Hugs! This site was created out of the desire to spread autism awareness and acceptance through writing about our experiences as an autism family. However, the blog as ended as of May 22, 2025. ♥
If you would like to continue following Sawyer’s and our family’s journey, please follow us at https://brittanydawson.net!
This is a really hard post for me to write, y’all. I wrote a similar post for my business site, and I decided to use it as a “template” for this, so if you’ve seen both then forgive my lack of creativity. 😉
The last few years of my life have been pretty hard on me. I’ve gone through a lot of serious personal trials, and y’all know the struggles Sawyer has experienced over the last year or so. It has not been easy, and the effects of what we’ve been through have drastically changed me as a person.
I’m not the person I used to be.
I’ve done a lot of praying and soul searching, and despite being severely burnt out, I kept pushing myself to invest my time and energy on this blog because I felt like I needed to. I started this blog in early 2023 because I felt called to spread autism awareness and education, and I believe I’ve done that. I’ve shared a lot about our family’s ups and downs, and how being a special needs family can be. I’ve been touched to reach emails from people who found our blog and thanked me for sharing because it helped them to realize they should have their child tested for autism, or because they realized they aren’t alone in their struggles. That means more to me than y’all realize.
It’s been sad to realize how much the last few years have changed me, but it’s also opened my eyes to some things- the things that truly matter to me, and the things I need to focus on.
I have decided to end the blog. This is not an easy decision for me, but it’s necessary. The site will remain up until our hosting contract runs out, but I feel like God is calling me to take a different direction in my life, and I have to answer the call. I also feel like there are other resources out there who do a much better job at spreading autism education and awareness, and my time will be better spent somewhere else from now on.
I want all of you who have supported Chicken Nugs and Mama Hugs over the years to know how much I deeply appreciate you and the love you have shown us through comments on our Facebook page, emails, and more.
Thank you for your beautiful support of this blog and our family. We are so grateful for you. ♥
About the Mama
Brittany is a passionate writer, navigating life as a single mom of three- including a child on the autism spectrum. In her 40s, she draws on her unique experiences- blending humor, heart, and raw honesty to explore the ups and downs of motherhood, personal growth, and everything in between. Writing has become her creative outlet, a way to connect with others and share her candid reflections on life, love, and the beauty of embracing imperfection.
Autism is not a disease, it's a difference.
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a very special place to our family. It’s where Sawyer was first diagnosed with autism, and it was through their incredible programs and research that he first received the therapy he needed to thrive. Our current political administration has pulled funding that pays for progams and services that help families like ours. Please consider donating to VKC to help others continue to receive the vital programs and services needed to help them succeed.
