Your son has autism! Who would have thought these four, little words could turn my world upside down and inside out?
My world literally fell apart when my son was diagnosed with autism. Despite being a professional woman with a psychology degree and years of working as a management trainer and business coach, I couldn't process what was being told me by my son's pediatrician.
The shock of the diagnosis made me sick to my stomach. The pain I felt was heart-breaking. Because in my soul, I knew my son was perfectly healthy and fine. Lorenzo couldn't be autistic.
I went from doctor to doctor, specialist to specialist, to get a second and third opinion. All in the hope of "correcting" this mistaken diagnosis. And as I received more and more bad news and dim prospects for Lorenzo's future, I became very depressed. I was completely overwhelmed with everything -- from taking care of my son, working full-time and trying to maintain my sanity.
Then I started seeing a myriad of therapists: physical, speech, occupational and behavioral therapists. And I needed all of them because someone had to "fix" my son and get rid of his autism.
And as time went on, I gradually realized that what I secretly wanted and more importantly needed, was SOMEONE to "fix" me. I was dying on the inside while trying to be strong on the outside.
I talked to friends, family and clergy. Everyone tried to be supportive and thoughtful, but it really didn't help. Sometimes, it made it even worse.
What I needed was someone who would really understand my reality and the pain I was in. I needed a COACH -- a person who could help me deal with my situation "NOW" and not delve into my personal history to show me how I arrived at this moment in my life.
And this is why I started YOUR AUTISM COACH. My mission is to provide a personal, coaching service that addresses the real concerns and issues of parents with special needs children. It has been my experience that most "parent education and support" organizations focus on the child, rather than the parent, who usually needs it the most.
Parents have to be proactive about seeking treatment for their children, but also realistic to know that they need help for themselves as well.
As a parent of a now, 12 year-old, autistic boy, I know firsthand the unique challenges as well as special joys that come with raising a child with special needs.
At YOUR AUTISM COACH, we offer parents a place to turn to when there seems to be no place to turn to. We provide an ear for someone who really needs to be listened to. We are "a trusted source of confidentiality and support" for parents who need one.