Following is a Guest Blog by Shelly Lewis, President of Jackson Autism Support Network.
This is the second in a series of blogs by Shelly, detailing both her personal experiences dealing with autism and as President of Jackson Autism Support Network
Living in the Wonderful World of Autism Part 2
As I think back over the years of Living in the Autism World, I think of all the challenges and things that a parent goes through to help their child. The perfect program at school (which I am here to say most likely does not exist). The insurance fight when nothing is covered, or you just haven’t found the key to the back door. The challenges at home dealing with behaviors that most likely just come out of the blue, or the repetitive behavior that is embedded in your brain for the rest of your life (like Elmo’s voice). Or maybe you have to work and now you have to find the right person to care for your child who has all these challenges.
Yes, we parents deal with a lot in one day, and that island you may feel like you are on, where no one gets your life, sometimes is enough to make you feel like you are hanging on by a thread. Yes, we all are feeling a little stressed (ok a lot) and we have the anxiety. One thing that has been helpful over the years to keep my mind in a better place is networking with other parents. Wouldn’t it be great if you were handed a great tip that helped you with the behavior that your child had that you just could not get under control? Networking with others is not only fun but it also may save you lots of time and frustration.
When Brad was diagnosed, I was very thankful that I met several other parents that I could brain storm with. We all learned a lot together. Today, going through the second round with Garrett, I have been meeting with some wonderful parents and we have become good friends. As our network of parents grows, we become a stronger force for our children. We all have great ideas and skills to bring to the group.
If you have related to any of this, come check out our network (Jackson Autism Support Network.) It feels good to be in a safe place, with others that get your life.
Copyright 2012 Shelly Lewis
leif.borreson@gmail.com
http://www.therapyjackson.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comprehensive-Speech-and-Therapy-Center/269988219679426
http://www.therapyjackson.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comprehensive-Speech-and-Therapy-Center/269988219679426
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