autimisms: hope and inspiration
TRANSCRIPT
Page 1(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
AUTIMISMSthe second little e-book of
Page 2 (c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
autimism:
approaching the autism journey with an optimistic outlook
Page 3(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
hen my son was young, he was very
different from all his peers. It wasn’t until he was a teen when he was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. But back then, being on the spectrum was a mystery, even to the professionals who worked with him. Here was my precious child, my beautiful son, and there were few people I could turn to for any answers or advice. I relied on my uncon-
W ditional love, intuition and fierce determina-tion to help him with what he needed when he needed it. Oh, how I longed to find even one other parent who would understand without explanation.
Today none of us is alone. We may be walking down different paths, but there is a treasure trove of kind and wonderful parents and autistic individuals there for us when we need them.
I don’t look at autism through rose colored glasses. I know there are challenges—we live through many of them—but I made a choice to always come from a place of hope and optimism. And when my soul needs a boost of support, I turn to my dearest friends from the autism com-munity—many of whom I’ve never met in person.
I’ve asked some of them to share their
positive thoughts about their own stories with you in this E-Book of Autimisms Two.
I know you’ll enjoy reading what these amazing moms who have their own popular blogs and Facebook pages have to say. It is my greatest wish that their words will lift you up and carry you on your own autism journey.
have you read autimisms one?
with each challenge we are given,
we learn something new.
Sarah, Mosswood Connections
Page 7(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
ife with autism isn’t all unicorns and rainbows but it isn’t
all gloom and doom ei-ther. Our life with autism has brought us untold blessings and joy. I have become a much more grounded, patient and humble person. Autism has allowed me to be a better wife, mother, par-ent and teacher. Autism has introduced me to the most amazing people
that I would have never have met otherwise. I was always worried that my daughter would have less because we had to give our son so much more, but she has grown into a wonderful compassionate, strong young woman be-cause autism has helped to strengthen each of us and our family.
L
Michelle, Monkey Business
embrace the unknown
Page 9(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
ince the day we found out my son was autistic our journey has been one filled with head
scratching, mind-boggling, unex-plainable curiosities and events. And you know what...I wouldn’t trade all that for the world. You see my son has taught us all how to embrace the unknown, celebrate the unpredict-able, push boundaries and he has forced me and everyone else to see the world in so many different ways. And that my friends is a beautiful way to live!
S
Sharon, Mama’s Turn Now
Page 11(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
earch for the lessons you can learn from your
special child. As you help that person to be the best they can be, you will likely find yourself becoming better and stronger as well. Autism has taught me compas-sion and empathy on a level I never under-stood before. Au-tism has taught me patience to a degree I never dreamed I’d achieve. Autism has taught me humility.
S After raising older children that excelled at almost anything they tried, I had become somewhat conceited. Hum-bling is exactly what I needed and I am thankful I have been humbled. Autism has taught me that “one size fits all” does not apply to parenting.Children with special needs need special parenting. Autism has taught me a lot about hard work and that the hard work
will pay off. Autism has taught me that people with special needs have a lot to offer. I used to be in-timidated by people with special needs. I now know they are just people who might take a little longer to respond or need a little more help to get things done, but they are people and their lives have as much value as mine or anyone else’s.
Lisa, Quirks and Chaos
Page 12 (c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
youare doing the best
you can
Page 13(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
s a parent of a child with special needs, I know what it’s like
to never feel like you are doing enough for him. Are you getting your kid enough therapy? Doing enough of the exercises the therapists recom-mend? Trying as many dif-ferent things as is humanly
A
Ellen, Love That Max
possible? The answer is: You’re doing the best you can. You have to be content with that, or you can walk around feeling worried and guilty—which does neither you nor your child any good. You are the best mother you can be. Take satisfaction in that.
Page 15(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
‘m not gonna lie to you. When the word AUTISM enters your world, it doesn’t get easier.
But I’ll let you in on a little secret.
You will suddenly find yourself im-mersed (and a little overwhelmed) in a new world created by a community of caring people who will accept and appreciate the autism that is a part of you and your child’s life.
So no, I’m not gonna lie to you.
When the word AUTISM enters your world, it doesn’t get easier.
It gets better.
Welcome.
I
Mommy Catharsis, Contemplative Chaos
blossoming into the most beautiful and unsual flowers
Page 17(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
nyone who owns an orchid plant will know that they have a reputation for being diffi-
cult to grow. And yet if you get the right advice and you know what to do with them, they blossom into the most beautiful and unusual flowers. It is exactly the same for kids with autism. If you understand how to nurture them, they can blossom too, but they need a special type of envi-ronment and understanding.
A
Debby, AuKids Magazine
Page 19(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
y son, a skinny bundle of wonder and quirks, a ferocious climber of uphill battles, this light up a
room kid of mine, has made me stronger and grateful and better.
While he reaches his potential, I reach mine.
M
Rebecca, Sincerely Becca
Page 20 (c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
find your people
Page 21(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
f I could go back to diagnosis day, I’d tell myself, “Do exactly what you are feeling the NEED to do.
Find your people.” No matter the diagnosis one receives, no one un-derstands like the people who are walking the same path. Even the same path has different pebbles and stones for each walker, but nothing replaces knowing the person you are talking to, even via private message on Facebook, “gets it.” Nothing.
Go. Find your people.
I
Kristi, Autism in Our House
Page 22 (c)2015 geekclubbooks.comPhotography by: Darcel White
Page 23(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
am in awe of my daugh-ter. Yes she has Autism, but it is only a part of
who she is, not the whole.
There are times when I have a hard time holding back the tears when I look at her. She is tenacious, sweet, confident, happy, adventurous, and funny.
This beautiful miracle child of mine has taught me more about seeing the
I
Darcel, The Mahogany Way
glass as half full and meeting someone where they are better than any book or expert ever could. I love having a front row seat into how she views the world.
Mothering a child with Autism has its challenges but more than anything, it’s been a gift. There are not enough words to describe how blessed I am to be her mother.
Page 24 (c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
to love more than i
ever believed possible
Page 25(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
utism has drawn us to people. It has drawn people to us. It has helped us build communities that love and support us. Autism has strengthened some friendships, ended others that had run
their course, and helped create new ones.
Autism has made me into a student, a teacher and an advocate.
Autism brought me to my knees, but helped me rebuild—stronger, focused and more creative.
Autism has taught me to be patient, to appreciate the little, wonder-ful things in life, and it has made me let go of some things that just weren’t so important after all.
Autism is part of the wonderful, intriguing, curious, beautiful little girl that is my daughter, and she has taught me to love more than I ever believed possible.
A
Liz, Cat on a Trampoline
Page 27(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
utism is often depicted as a life sentence for the individual re-ceiving the diagnosis and their
family. It is not; rather, it is change. Some life plans may no longer be on the agenda but the new path is just as enriching. There will be tough times but all that means is that you will never take those moments of joy and love for granted. Never stop hoping and dreaming for the best.
A
Brooke, Autism Seriously?
have faith in your child
Page 29(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
hen I look back at my life it can be
broken down into distinct parts. Life before and after autism. I’ve spent the last twenty years learning to appre-ciate the subtleties of autism. This is because of my son, Kevin. Most of my
W
Debra, The Art of Autism
dearest friends are either autistic or parents of autistic children. They’ve allowed my palette to be filled with both vibrant and nuanced shades. I’ve come to appreciate the au-tistic perspective. It is untainted by the superficial. It is wise and true. It informs
me each day. All we need to do as parents is stop and listen. The one thing I would like parents of newly diagnosed chil-dren to know is your child and you are partners. When you work together doors will open. Have faith in your child. Listen.
Page 31(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
utism is a journey, not a destination. Do not become so fixed on the outcome that you miss
the sweet day-to-day moments with your child.A
Shelly, Maddox’s Autism Chronicles
Page 33(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
utism has made me stronger, courageous and has helped me find my voice; so I can be the
voice of my children until they have their own. Helping others is one of my passions, and because of my experiences with autism, I am able to help and encourage others who are on or raising someone on the autism spectrum.
A
Jenna, My Crazy Little People
Page 35(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
When Casey was young each new accomplishment,
no matter how small and insignificant, was cause for great celebration because Autism had made that accomplishment a difficult
W
Billie, Conversations with Casey
task. Autism taught me to find joy in those little insignificant things. I mea-sure my life not by days, months or years but by the millions of joyful moments Autism has given me over the past 28 years.
i am thankful
Page 37(c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
utism did not just creep into our home. It violently charged in and rocked our home to the
foundation. We united best we could and passionately pursued an inten-sive intervention.
Now that my son is 13 a parade of teachers, therapists, specialists, behaviorists, advocates and actual horses have come and gone in our lives. We are deeply thankful to all they have done for our sweet boy. But, mostly I am thankful for my son. I know he has taught me more of my life lessons than anyone else.
A
Erin, If I Need Help
follow a child’s interest and you willfind the road that opens their heart
shelah, Mosswood Connections
Page 40 (c)2015 geekclubbooks.com
from our hearts to yours. May you find inspiration, joy and
autimismYou are not alone.
geekclubbooks.com