Overcoming Autism: Early Invention Is The Key To Success

Finally!! Those who can assist parents in helping their children recently diagnosed with autism have realized that early intervention is the key to success. I have struggled with spreading this concept from the time Jacob was diagnosed. As a pediatric nurse and a mother, I knew that Jacob was special very early on. This was 1998 and Autism wasn't even a word anyone knew about. I took Jacob to a specialist who diagnosed him with Autism.

Immediately, I went into "mom" mode. I started researching everything I could possibly find on the internet. There was not much information out there then and what was available was horrific. Long story short - children with this disorder "needed to be put into homes because they would never amount to anything". Well, that just infuriated me. I would be damned if anyone told me my son could not be absolutely anything he wanted and he could succeed and meet whatever goals he made for himself.

As his mother, a nurse, an advocate; I have worked raising awareness for not only Autism Awareness but more importantly to me, Autism Acceptance. I have a great example of what ACCEPTANCE should be the main priority for those with Autism. I have a small green puzzle piece tattoo on my right hand. Now, mind you, I have many other tattoos but all of them can be covered with clothes if need be EXCEPT my puzzle piece. This was a strategic move on my part. When I first meet someone, I firmly shake their hand with my right hand. Since getting this tattoo, nine out of ten people will ask me what is means. AAAHHHAAA!!! Gotcha!! The door is opened for me to spread autism acceptance and the miraculous human being that is my son.

On the other hand, my ex-husband had a tattoo band wrapped around his upper arm. He has dozens of puzzle pieces; all of which are covered except one. When my son was about ten years old, he asked his dad why the one piece was not covered. My ex-husband replied, "I will color that one in when they find a cure." My beautiful, wonderful, intelligent, witty son replied, "But dad, I don't want them to find a cure. Then I wouldn't be me." This story ended my tattoo on Cafemom in 2010 in an article 13 Amazing Tattoos For Autism.

Jacob and I have volunteered and raised money for Autism Awareness and even made a few videos together (be nice - they are amateur but they serve the purpose) which I would love for you to take a peek at:
Autism Speaks Walk 2011
Autism Awareness 2012
Raising Money for Autism
Autism Acceptance 2015

I enrolled Jacob in the public education system immediately and thus became a lawyer in knowing the rights of children with disabilities in this country. I have fought huge battles to get my son everything he needed at an early age. I am a mom and a nurse - I KNEW early intervention was key so I also took him to many types of therapy through my private health insurance as well. I am a FIRM BELIEVER and ADVOCATE in early intervention.

I had so many parents ask me if they should not vaccinate their children when all of that bologna was thriving. I was 100% completely honest with parents and told them, "My son has Autism. I saw symptoms way before the vaccines discussed were even given to him. He was even diagnosed BEFORE those vaccinations were given to him."

Early intervention is so important not only so those on the spectrum can reach their full potential but so that parents can feel like they are doing "something, anything, everything" to help their kids. The feelings of helplessness were overwhelming at times, but one look in my child's face and I knew God gave me this beautiful child because I would fight to the death for him. Jacob was specially made for me and me him. We are a pair, the two of us.

I loved this news story and wish that there were more stories like this every day. Please check out our Overcoming Autism Facebook Page so you can see the wonderful, inspiring stories we share there. Our Facebook Page is about HOPE, LIFE, INSPIRATION, ACCEPTANCE, & everything else that is WONDERFUL about Autism.

By the way, early intervention has enabled my son to be graduating from mainstream high school in one month and then on to college to become a 3D animator. - PHOOEY!! Those with Autism will never amount to anything. Jacob proved them wrong! That's my boy!