In Her Own Time and Space: A Unique, Persistent, and Positive Young Woman Thrives
Lauren is a positive young lady I have known since middle school. I have always loved being around her and now, as an adult, it is fun to see her thrive. She is now a young woman in her twenties, and it has been a joy to watch her develop new skills and ways to deal with things that used to bother her. As someone on the autism spectrum, she had to learn how to communicate effectively and learn social skills. She belonged to a great group with a wonderful speech teacher who would practice strengthening their social skills. In my room, we would also practice social skills and use social stories to understand how to respond in social situations. Now, as an adult, she is thriving. Lauren’s journey is a testament to her persistence, resilience, and strength of spirit. Read her mother’s answers to my questions to discover the keys to success as an adult on the autism spectrum.
What are your child’s favorite activities since graduating high school
She likes horseback riding, diamond art, bowling, and high school football games (her brother is in the band).
What are some of your child’s strengths that have served her well in the workforce?
She doesn’t let criticisms of her control her. She keeps going! She has a good attitude, is friendly, and really tries to be nice to everyone.
If you could describe your child in three words, what would they be?
unique, persistent, and positive
How old was your child when you knew he/she had special needs?
I suspected she had special needs when her speech was delayed. Probably 3 years old
What is one piece of advice you have for someone with a newly diagnosed child?
It’s not the end of the world. They are still your child and need love and support like everyone else. Listen to all of the advice from experts like teachers and doctors. Try to get as much help as possible. I always had a motto of never turning away help for my child.
How do you foster self-care? ( either for yourself or your adult child or both)?
it is incredibly hard to get time away. Grandparents are a Godsend!!
What are ways to help promote social skills you have found effective for your child?
When she was younger, there was a great social skills group she joined with similar-aged kids.
Are there any areas of need you wish her case manager would address?
I wish there was more help in getting, and or Understanding SSI.
What is one meal that everyone in your family likes to eat?
They all like tacos and cheeseburgers!
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.
In her free time, she can do intricate 750-piece puzzles. She loves the Disney Thomas Kinkade puzzles. As an adult, she has a job that she has had for over a year and a boyfriend of about five years. They are a lovely couple who both enjoy horseback riding and support each other. Lauren got a gold medal for the “Working Trails- Western” Special Olympics Ohio, State Equestrian event.
Lauren has been employed for over a year. She is hard-working and takes her job seriously. She would like more hours and takes pride in her work. She has a job developer who is the go-between for her parents and her place of employment. She volunteers weekly at Kitten Krazy, a nonprofit organization that finds homes for stray cats and kittens in Medina and surrounding communities. As a rule follower, Lauren wants others to know they must follow the rules.
The Indigenous people of New Zealand have a word for autism in their language. It is “takiwatanga,” which means “in their own time and space.” That is a perfect word to describe Lauren’s journey. I have been blessed to see her develop into a lovely young lady. She recently voted in the presidential election. She has attended the Tim Tebow Night to Shine prom and the Peace, Love, and Prom held at a local church. At each event, Lauren has a great time. I have had the privilege of seeing a young lady full of poise and self-confidence at several of the Night to Shine events.
Autism can make some people feel different and see differently. It requires various levels of love, understanding, and support. One of the things I love and have always loved about Lauren is her ability to cut through the noise with her practical mindset. She is pragmatic, discerning, and good at focusing on what truly matters. It is amazing to me to see the progress from middle school until now. My life is richer because I have a friend like her.