Reflections on my Autism Mama Journey
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Hello My People, As I stated before, I want to share a little about my journey with my son, Quincy, and his autism diagnosis. Over the years, I've realized something. He's better at setting boundaries and advocating for himself than I am! Watching him confidently speak up for himself is a reminder of all the sacrifices and time I put into teaching him those skills. Funny how life work because he's yet teaching me. When Quincy was diagnosed, I never cried or felt sorry for him or for myself. Instead, I felt relieved. Finally, I knew what was going on, and I could start figuring out how to navigate it. I quickly noticed that my reaction was "different" from other autism parents. While some saw the diagnosis as overwhelming, I saw it as a roadmap. If you don't already know this about me, when given a problem, my immediate reaction is to find a solution. I had to teach myself how to get Quincy the resources he needed. It was all new to me, and none of it came naturally. But what I discovered was that the most important thing wasn't what Quincy needed from others, it was what he needed from me. That mindset became my foundation, and it's what I share in my 5-module course for parents of children with special needs. The strategies I teach aren’t about spending money or finding miracle cures. (Because I was very much so broke at the time and I've never felt like my baby needed to be "cured.") They’re daily, practical steps. They’re about how you, as a parent, can become your child’s greatest advocate. I’ll be real with you: not all parents are willing to make the sacrifices needed. But for those who are, the growth you’ll see in your child (and yourself) can be tremendous. Quincy’s progress is proof. When he was first diagnosed, he barely spoke and didn’t participate in preschool work. Now, he’s in high school at a virtual college-readiness school, taking general courses with minimal accommodations. That’s our story, but your child’s goals will be unique to them. The point is: growth is possible, and it starts with you. And it’s not just about big milestones, it’s the little things, too. Last night, Quincy tried my potato soup and had a whole bowl! You’d think I won the lottery. There was a time when he only ate the same five things, and I would’ve been fine if that hadn’t changed. But seeing his growth, his willingness to try new thing, THAT is a reminder of how far we’ve come. If you or someone you know could benefit from the mindset shifts and strategies I’ve used, check out my course, Single Mom's Intro to Autism Parenting. It’s nothing fancy or expensive, just actionable tools to help you start navigating this journey with confidence. To every parent raising a child with special needs, I want to remind you: "The devil is a liar!" (you know the rest 😂) You’re stronger than you think, and your child’s growth will reflect the love and effort you pour in. Be sure to share this with a friend who might need some encouragement. Love y’all, Ingrid 💙 |