Learning styles of Individuals with Autism - Autism Awareness Month
I love quotes and to find this Slideshare full of great quotes was exhilarating and put a fire under me that helps me focus on the big picture which is getting Jacob to the point in his life where he is as happy as he can be as well as independent as possible. As you read each quote, stop for one or two minutes and think deeply about how that quote effects you and your family. Find a place deep in you to use that quote and make it yours, make it your child's; then forge on. FORGE ON!
Autism 101 by ASNV (Last updated June 2015)
Tips for Mom, Dad, and Extended Family and Friends
1. The first tip is to accept your child. Love your child. Accept him or her for their differences - not disabilities. They are the same child they were before you heard the "dreaded word Autism". We are ALL different, meaning that your child has the potential to grow over time with proper medical evaluations and the best treatments for him or her.
There are many emotions you will be having at this time. You may need to go through the grieving process straight away. That is NORMAL and OKAY! We all go through it and sometimes as they grow bigger, we will slip back into it for a bit. The stages of the grieving process include shock, sadness, anger, denial, feeling lonely, and ultimately you will be accepting. However, then you need to pull your bootstraps up and get to work. All members of the family and friends will go through the grieving process differently. The most important thing is to realize that each of you are still in mourning and none of you are doing it the "right way". There is NO right way. You have now become your child's biggest advocate, friend, fighter, mom, dad, friends, family, etc.
Project Heart Touch - Finding Support on Your Autism Journey
Project Heart Touch - Finding Support on Your Autism Journey from Jodi Murphy
There are many emotions you will be having at this time. You may need to go through the grieving process straight away. That is NORMAL and OKAY! We all go through it and sometimes as they grow bigger, we will slip back into it for a bit. The stages of the grieving process include shock, sadness, anger, denial, feeling lonely, and ultimately you will be accepting. However, then you need to pull your bootstraps up and get to work. All members of the family and friends will go through the grieving process differently. The most important thing is to realize that each of you are still in mourning and none of you are doing it the "right way". There is NO right way. You have now become your child's biggest advocate, friend, fighter, mom, dad, friends, family, etc.
2. Learn as much as you can about Autism itself. Go to reliable people who have experience in this area. Trust me when I tell you that you will become an internet guru. That means other parents, specialist doctors, school personnel, or a hotline if you need that privacy. I will be listing many links before the month is over that can guide you to the right places. Some questions you should ask yourself in order to be fully aware of how complicated Autism is may be:
1. How is Autism diagnosed?
2. What is the criteria that doctors use to diagnose Autism?
3. Have they found a cause for Autism?
4. Is there a cure for Autism?
5. How common is Autism?
6. Should I have my other children tested?
7. What are the symptoms of Autism (social, communication, and/or
behavior issues)?
8. How can my child be diagnosed with Autism when he is so smart?
3. After you really dig deep into the psychological issues of Autism which is required if you are going to help your child in the best manner, you then need to research the physical symptoms that can go along with Autism including seizures, gastrointestinal and/or sleep issues. Children with Autism may also have genetic disorders and sensory issues. You must make sure that your child is tested and in needed, treated promptly for any of these issues. Treating the physical issues can be a huge burden off of you and your child will feel better and possibly more abled bodied to accept and thrive through the psychological testing and treatment.
4. You have to take time out for yourself. If you are married or have a significant other, make sure you plan dates with each other. Make sure that you are sympathetic to each other's feelings and don't try to push how you feel onto your partner. Again, like I said, we all go through a grieving process and this is the best time to be supportive of others in the family that have your child's best interest at heart. Remember to ask for help. Get grandma and grandpa over so you can have some "you" time. Talk to other people who are going through or have been where you are. Finding out your child has Autism can make you feel very isolated and lonely. Get out there and get your child the treatment they need. That will ignite your reason for being and the loneliness will be pushed to the back. You are your child's biggest fan and need to act like it.
5. It would be a good idea at this time to involve the rest of the family as much as possible. As many of us wonder.....will our future children also have Autism? Should we get our other children tested? How will we explain this to our other children? All of these are legitimate questions that should be addressed. Suggestions of involving a family therapist to help put habits into place so that your other children don't feel neglected, worried, upset, or confused. You should make play dates with just them at times to be sure that they understand how important they are.
6. Friends and other family members need to be told as well. You should have some literature from your doctor to give to them as there is a stigma about Autism. People think the worse case scenario and then they tend to shut down not knowing what to say to you or your child. Let them know that you are strong and your child will prosper with the help of everyone in their life, including family members and friends. Education is the key in sustaining relationships that are beneficial to you and your children.
From here on out, your main role in your child's life becomes one of advocacy. Through an organization I had the pleasure of dealing with in Virginia, I want to leave you with these thoughts:
1. Identify and value your allies.
2. Respect and teach your adversaries.
3. Combine style and substance.
4. Practice finesse and diplomacy.
We will get into how to go about treatment for your child and the many acronyms that will become a second language to you. I will also be making a list of resource links that are extensive in helping parents, children, and siblings during each stage of their life.
Regards,
~ Holley Jacobs
There are many emotions you will be having at this time. You may need to go through the grieving process straight away. That is NORMAL and OKAY! We all go through it and sometimes as they grow bigger, we will slip back into it for a bit. The stages of the grieving process include shock, sadness, anger, denial, feeling lonely, and ultimately you will be accepting. However, then you need to pull your bootstraps up and get to work. All members of the family and friends will go through the grieving process differently. The most important thing is to realize that each of you are still in mourning and none of you are doing it the "right way". There is NO right way. You have now become your child's biggest advocate, friend, fighter, mom, dad, friends, family, etc.
2. Learn as much as you can about Autism itself. Go to reliable people who have experience in this area. Trust me when I tell you that you will become an internet guru. That means other parents, specialist doctors, school personnel, or a hotline if you need that privacy. I will be listing many links before the month is over that can guide you to the right places. Some questions you should ask yourself in order to be fully aware of how complicated Autism is may be:
1. How is Autism diagnosed?
2. What is the criteria that doctors use to diagnose Autism?
3. Have they found a cause for Autism?
4. Is there a cure for Autism?
5. How common is Autism?
6. Should I have my other children tested?
7. What are the symptoms of Autism (social, communication, and/or
behavior issues)?
8. How can my child be diagnosed with Autism when he is so smart?
3. After you really dig deep into the psychological issues of Autism which is required if you are going to help your child in the best manner, you then need to research the physical symptoms that can go along with Autism including seizures, gastrointestinal and/or sleep issues. Children with Autism may also have genetic disorders and sensory issues. You must make sure that your child is tested and in needed, treated promptly for any of these issues. Treating the physical issues can be a huge burden off of you and your child will feel better and possibly more abled bodied to accept and thrive through the psychological testing and treatment.
4. You have to take time out for yourself. If you are married or have a significant other, make sure you plan dates with each other. Make sure that you are sympathetic to each other's feelings and don't try to push how you feel onto your partner. Again, like I said, we all go through a grieving process and this is the best time to be supportive of others in the family that have your child's best interest at heart. Remember to ask for help. Get grandma and grandpa over so you can have some "you" time. Talk to other people who are going through or have been where you are. Finding out your child has Autism can make you feel very isolated and lonely. Get out there and get your child the treatment they need. That will ignite your reason for being and the loneliness will be pushed to the back. You are your child's biggest fan and need to act like it.
5. It would be a good idea at this time to involve the rest of the family as much as possible. As many of us wonder.....will our future children also have Autism? Should we get our other children tested? How will we explain this to our other children? All of these are legitimate questions that should be addressed. Suggestions of involving a family therapist to help put habits into place so that your other children don't feel neglected, worried, upset, or confused. You should make play dates with just them at times to be sure that they understand how important they are.
6. Friends and other family members need to be told as well. You should have some literature from your doctor to give to them as there is a stigma about Autism. People think the worse case scenario and then they tend to shut down not knowing what to say to you or your child. Let them know that you are strong and your child will prosper with the help of everyone in their life, including family members and friends. Education is the key in sustaining relationships that are beneficial to you and your children.
From here on out, your main role in your child's life becomes one of advocacy. Through an organization I had the pleasure of dealing with in Virginia, I want to leave you with these thoughts:
Keys to Successful Advocacy
1. Identify and value your allies.
2. Respect and teach your adversaries.
3. Combine style and substance.
4. Practice finesse and diplomacy.
We will get into how to go about treatment for your child and the many acronyms that will become a second language to you. I will also be making a list of resource links that are extensive in helping parents, children, and siblings during each stage of their life.
Regards,
~ Holley Jacobs
