As the sun sets on another April, we welcome a time of acceptance that extends far beyond a single month. Imagine shifting this conversation to the heart of summer, when the world is in full bloom, or perhaps as we turn the page to a new school year—moments ripe for the seeds of awareness to take root. Today, I'm going to share a lunar eclipse story, one that unveils the unexpected beauty and chaos of parenting a child with severe autism. It's a tale that might sound familiar to those who walk this path, a narrative that intertwines the challenges of the unexpected with the triumphs of communication breakthroughs.

Parenting a child with severe autism means embracing complexity in every facet of family life. From the mystery of an unusual dark spot to the heartwarming surprise of my son's first full sentences, this episode peels back the curtain on our intricate family dynamic. Hear how the need to collect belongings and a misadventure in the night turn into a moment of pure joy and connection. As I recount how autism has reshaped our routine, including a reduced work schedule to meet home needs, you'll be reminded that sometimes, the messiest moments lead to the greatest leaps forward.

The trek through autism parenting is an uncharted one, filled with day-to-day hurdles and the pivotal moments that test our resolve. Join me as I grapple with the home safety vigilance needed to protect my wandering son, and the delicate dance of balancing his routines with our own self-care, particularly in public spaces like the gym. We're preparing to dive deep into the heartache and hope, acknowledging the solidarity that holds us together. So, I invite you to lean in, share your stories, and find comfort in the shared journey of raising a child with severe autism.

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Every year as I prepare for the daunting task of legal guardianship reporting, I'm reminded of the unique and enduring challenges that come with raising my son, Jacob, who lives with severe autism. This episode peels back the layers of our daily life, from bureaucratic headaches like insurance verifications and PUNS list updates to the heartache of realizing the unchanging nature of Jacob's condition. I offer a raw look into the emotional landscape of a family navigating the complex world of autism adulthood, sharing my personal struggles with a system that often feels impersonal and indifferent to the realities we face.

Celebrations in our household are different, and Jacob's 23rd birthday was no exception. Lacking the usual fanfare, we find solace in the small traditions that bring joy, despite the trials of limited family contact and the impact of health issues on our routine. The episode also ventures into the realm of social media, where our YouTube channel "Burnt From Birth" reveals snippets of our life with autism to the world, often leading to misconceptions. I open up about my husband's solo fight through the early stages of diagnosis and advocacy, inviting listeners to connect with us as we traverse the seasons of parenting a child with autism. Join us for a conversation that promises honesty, solidarity, and a window into a world that many never see.

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Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com

Welcome, friends, to another episode where we unmask severe autism, one layer at a time. What do you do when your child develops a new tick - like trying to talk with his mouth closed? Well, that's the recent challenge we've been facing with our son. Aside from the obvious communication difficulties this poses, it's also just one of many OCD tendencies he exhibits - tendencies that the medical field often dismisses as mere byproducts of autism. But we're not letting that deter us. It's our hope that, by sharing our experiences and challenges, we can offer a beacon of support and help to others on this journey.

As we navigate our way through this maze of parenting a child with severe autism, we've come to realize how important it is to question behaviors. Is it medical? Is it a side effect of medication? Or is it just a coping mechanism? This episode delves into these questions, as we explore the highs and lows, the fears and hopes, and the sheer complexities of understanding and managing our son's behaviors. We also explore the healthcare system's role in this journey, and the challenges it poses.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Amid these challenges, we've also found moments of joy and laughter. From his obliviousness to his demands for a Halloween costume, each day brings new experiences and learnings. And despite the tough decisions, like potentially moving for better care or managing our financial situation, we're here, taking it one day, one laugh, one challenge at a time. So, join us as we share our stories, our fears, our hopes, and our laughter, and remember, we're in this journey together.

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https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/supporters/newhttps://psa.buzzsprout.com

Get Podcast Merch at the following link: https://psapodcast.creator-spring.com/ & use Promo Code EARLYBIRD for 10% off your order for a limited time. New products are being added daily.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Parenting-Severe-Autism-podcast/100083292374893/

Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com