Be Aware

I realize that I may have to fight this battle alone, but I'm ready! This is for my children and countless others who have no voice to speak out about what they experience on a daily basis. I am committed to raising awareness about autism...#mylife

What I Learned from Other Autism Moms

Yesterday I sponsored a panel discussion that was designed to bring awareness to issues related to autism in the home, school & community. Although I was a panelists, I learned so much from listening to the stories of others.
1. I am truly blessed. I have had others tell me this but I understand for the first time what that means. My sons are both verbal and participate in mainstream education. Their autism is not severe, though they do have issues related to sensory overload, stimming and learning challenges. From what I learned, I definitely should count my blessings.
2. Society still doesn't "get" autism & I'm not sure that they even want to. Telling someone that they should leave their kid in the car because he's making noises that are related to his disability is horrible. I was pained to see another mom cry and talk about the cruel experiences she'd had from strangers wanting her to make their lives more comfortable by suggesting she remove her child or telling him to shut up.
3. Mothers of children with autism have greater stress levels than mothers of children with a critical illness. I have heard this before, but it still amazes me. People don't understand what it's like to raise a child with a disability, especially when it prevents you from doing many of the things that were once part of your daily life. Going to the grocery store can be a chore if you have a child prone to meltdowns or who makes random noises. Nobody wants people staring at their kid or making snide comments.
4. There is still much work that needs to be done. Autism Awareness is not at the forefront of what we need to be focusing on as a society...but it needs to be. With over 3 million people living on the spectrum, more dialogue needs to take place as to what needs to be done in order to make sure they are as successful and supported as possible.

This panel was a great experience for me, even if turnout wasn't what I wanted it to be. I know now, more than ever, that my work is not done.
"I cried because I had no shoes, then I saw a man who had no feet..."

I♡Matka

Check out the new blog site IheartMatka (matkalife.wordpress.com), created for women who are mommying children with special needs. Have questions, comments or blog ideas? Email them to iheartmatka@gmail.com. All moms are special, but mothers of children with special needs ROCK!

Alex Bean, Boy Wonder

Whether he's fighting off scary creatures or flying off to save the day, Alex Bean is a little boy who won't let his disability stand in the way! Available at Lulu.com Alex Bean, Boy Wonder (ISBN 978-1-329-70141-0).

ReDefining Our Norms

I ran across this picture on Instagram and I was just blown away! First of all, I remember a time when modeling was extremely rigid, often brutal in the way it defined beauty. Second, I was overwhelmed at the prospect of our society's evolution. We are slowly embracing the differences that make us unique.

Our ability to see each other as individuals remains a work in progress, but we are getting there. I didn't read all of the comments posted with the picture because I know that there are many negative people whose sole purpose is to dissent every chance they get; but I was completely in awe of what this picture represents for so many people, particularly those who do not fit into the "molds" or "standards" or "norms" in our society.

Kuddos to those who embrace differences! Let's keep redefining our "normal."

Checking In

Less than 2 weeks to go for our autism panel! Super excited...I don't care if only 2 people show up (not really but really), I just want to create a forum where people can come together to get information that can support them as they navigate their journey on the spectrum. Will keep you updated as time goes by. This is only the BEGINNING!