How Kim and My Paths Crossed
I am and have been, for years, an avid Autism volunteer, advocate, and educator. I made it my mission, once Jacob was diagnosed, to find out everything I could about Autism and treatments available. While there was always people who either gave up on him completely or those who went into deep denial. I was and am neither one of those kinds of people. I am the "resourceful researcher". I did what I do best. I looked into any possible treatments and all news related to Autism. Since Jacob was diagnosed in 2000, there was little known or discussed about Autism. Your options were ABA therapy or ABA therapy.
I immediately enrolled Jacob into the public school system at age two. I was able to advocate to afford him occupational, physical, and speech therapy. I also had him in ABA therapy. Over the years, I have kept up on Autism research and treatments and our family was introduced into the wonderful world of volunteering because of Autism.
I am always receiving Autism ads on Facebook due to my activity on that platform. In March 2013 I came upon an ad I had not noticed before. It was called Mendability therapy. Curiosity always gets the best of me during times when I see new Autism research. Let me be very clear; I am and will never be a parent who jumps on every "new" Autism treatment bandwagon. That is not how I chose to handle our life. I am careful. I am resourceful. I am a researcher. I am a "questioner". I am Jacob's biggest fan.
I clicked on the Mendability link and, to be blatant, was so offended (sorry Kim) at what I was reading. I won't go into detail because it is a moot point. Kim and his team were open and looking for ways to make their therapy "Autism User-Friendly". I am not one to leave negative comments on websites. I feel that it is inappropriate and unprofessional to do that on the internet. If I have issues with a site, I politely direct message the owner.
But when I read other comments listed, I decided to do something unlike me. Many of the comments were negative but more importantly, the comments were disturbing to read for a mom with a child who has Autism. I could not believe some of the nasty things written in the comments area. It was not constructive criticism at all; only pure hate and venom. However, what struck me was that Kim had left the comments there. He had all the power to remove them but he didn't. Whether this is the case or not, I don't know, but what I took from this action was that he was looking for help.
So, I wrote in the comments. Long story short, I explained the flaws I saw in his presentation on the internet. I left a detailed message and politely explained the perspective of someone who deals with Autism every day. Within 15 minutes of posting the message, I received an email from Kim asking if I would speak with him. Of course, any opportunity like this is golden and I jumped at it. Shortly thereafter, he and I were on the phone discussing my concerns. He informed me that I was not the first person to say these things but I was the nicest. (Chuckle). He told me that they were redoing their site and asked if I would take a look at a few of the pages. He spent a lot of time explaining what Mendability is, how it came to be, and the potential it has to help children with Autism.
Our professional relationship was born. Now, Mendability has a site that would make any parent want to investigate the therapy as an option for their child. Jacob and I started our program on May 31, 2013. Our inception and Mendability's potential help for Jacob was born.
Patience is a virtue is a good sentiment to live by when you have a child with Autism. Now, Jacob and I have a new therapy to try which has great potential and credible results. We are both excited. I cannot begin to explain properly Mendability's technique so I will refer you to two resources. One is of course, Mendability's FAQ's. Currently, they are working on PR so another great article, Enrichment therapy among children with Autism is a great article as well.
Although Jacob did not have success with Mendablity - I highly recommend their program for younger children. I am thankful, regardless because it enabled me to start this blog with my son. Although it has been neglected a bit due to my education, we both plan on blogging routinely on this site.
Won't you join us on our journey?
Regards,
~ Holley Jacobs
Our professional relationship was born. Now, Mendability has a site that would make any parent want to investigate the therapy as an option for their child. Jacob and I started our program on May 31, 2013. Our inception and Mendability's potential help for Jacob was born.
Patience is a virtue is a good sentiment to live by when you have a child with Autism. Now, Jacob and I have a new therapy to try which has great potential and credible results. We are both excited. I cannot begin to explain properly Mendability's technique so I will refer you to two resources. One is of course, Mendability's FAQ's. Currently, they are working on PR so another great article, Enrichment therapy among children with Autism is a great article as well.
Although Jacob did not have success with Mendablity - I highly recommend their program for younger children. I am thankful, regardless because it enabled me to start this blog with my son. Although it has been neglected a bit due to my education, we both plan on blogging routinely on this site.
Won't you join us on our journey?
Regards,
~ Holley Jacobs
