Building Bridges: A Mom’s Mission for Her Son and the Autism Community
I was so happy to get an interview with this mom. She lives in Michigan and I first spoke to her when I was interviewing her for my “We Rock the Spectrum” blog. I admired her as a mom of someone on the autism spectrum and her proactive approach to ways to help meet his needs. He is one of three kids and her youngest child, so she put her problem-solving skills to work and bought a We Rock The Spectrum gym in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I first did a blog post on the gym on September 23, 2024, titled, “Inclusive Play: A Look Inside We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym.” The link to read that article is: https://www.speciallessons.com/special-lessons/inclusive-play-a-look-inside-we-rock-the-spectrum-kids-gym/
As a mother of three children, this mom wanted to find something they could enjoy together. They found a TV show they could enjoy, but she still wanted more. She knew the value of spending twenty minutes together watching a silly show. Her ultimate goal is to create moments where everyone feels seen, supported, and able to connect as a family. Read her wise words; She tells us not to catastrophize and take things one day at a time.
What are some of your child’s favorite activities?
My youngest child loves to run, jump, and play. He’s 6 so he enjoys playing with his toy cars, he loves the video game DigDug for some reason too.
What is something your child is good at doing that is not reflected on tests?
Caring for others. He is very concerned when other kids are hurt or upset and always goes to check on them, even when they are strangers.
If you could describe your child in three words, what would they be?
Smart, caring, silly
How old was your child when you knew he/she had special needs?
I thought something might be wrong when he had just hit 2 and wasn’t using much novel language but had it confirmed at 2 and a half when he went through a massive language regression. Shortly after he got his ASD diagnosis.
What is one piece of advice you have for someone with a newly diagnosed child?
Don’t catastrophize things. I was so freaked out when he first got diagnosed all I kept thinking is how he would need care for the rest of his life. Now almost 4 years removed from the first signs of ASD I couldn’t have imagined the kid he is today. So now I take things one day at a time and do my best to meet my son where he’s at. The future will come when it comes.
How do you foster self-care? ( either for yourself or your child or both)?
As a 6 year old my son has no issue with creating boundaries and doing what he needs to be happy. I just have to facilitate those around him from not disrupting that.
For me, I have made a serious effort this year to make time for my hobbies. So I set aside time every week to pursue them and treat it as an appointment I can’t miss.
What are ways to help promote social skills you have found effective for your child?
Making sure he was involved in preschool, young fives, summer camps, and other activities with other children. He doesn’t communicate like his peers but he tries and the constant exposure has given him the space to build those relationships in the way that works best for him.
Are there any support groups you recommend for parents or children?
We Rock the Spectrum locations are always good for finding other special needs families if there is one nearby. I also recommend looking into parenting groups in the area or joining any special needs-oriented Facebook pages for your school district or area.
What is one meal that everyone in your family likes to eat?
Tacos!
Please share anything else you want people to know. It could be something like the ways your child is awesome, your favorite family activities, or anything else you would like to share about your child.
I tried for months to find an activity that myself and my 3 kids could do together and enjoy. After too many failed game nights we have settled on watching an episode of the Simpsons each day. All of the kids love that silly show and even though it may not fit what others think it should look like it’s nice to have that 20 minutes each day that we spend together as a family.
This mom has great advice. Communication is often a big struggle for kids on the autism spectrum and she made sure he was involved in preschool, the young fives program, summer camps, and other activities with other children. Constantly being around his neurotypical peers has given him the space to build those relationships in the way that works best for him. It is all in his own time and space.
Her advice for his self-care and her self-care are sage words to heed. For him, because he knows what he needs to do to be happy, he has no issues with creating boundaries. As his mother, she feels her job is ensuring others do not disrupt that. For her self-care, I love her idea of treating time for her hobbies each week as an appointment she can’t miss. With that mindset, she protects her peace and establishes a wellness routine.
Raising a child on the autism spectrum while balancing work and the needs of one’s family requires patience, understanding, and flexibility. Though it can be overwhelming, this journey has taught everyone resilience, compassion, and the beauty of embracing differences. That is a great lesson for all of us to learn. I applaud this mom for going the extra mile and creating a safe and inclusive place for her child.