- Tanner, "What does this mean?
If you are the parent of a child with special needs are autism you will understand this story better than mosts.
Ever have a child on the spectrum have a melt down, normal need, or seemingly tantrum for no need drive you crazy? I don't mean where you were going to do bodily harm to a child. I mean where you felt you were a bad mother, worthless because you couldn't figure out how to help your child and more things like this.
I will give you one or two short examples.
My son is autistic, has Asperger's or High Functioning Autism. Labels only meant something for me as a jumping point to reasearch how to help him the best I could. Otherwise, I really do hate labels; except when filing insurance claims and then I want as many labels as I can think of.
Tanner, my son, had a three hour meltdonw at fifteen months. He cried, screamed and I think did some head banging if I am not mistaken on my recall. I did all the motherly things. I tried to hold and comfort him. Now I know routine is important to all kids but this goes beyond that.
I went outside to take a two minute deep breath. Most likely this was much shorter but helped me recompose myself. I was so out a lose as what to do for Tanner. I know he was miserable but everything I tried didn't work.
I need stories from mothers to put in my book. I don't just want my stories. I want major stories of meltdowns to help young mothers. Young couples have a rough time of it dealing with this. I am sure it strains realtionships. Help me help younger mothers, fathers and professionals by giving me your stories.
Get rich? My goal? Not really! It is going to cost me to get the book published. I am positive in my abilities but I may fail. I want to, once I have reached costs back and a specific point...trust me....I want to do this..reach a point where 50% of my profits are given to charity of autism, special needs and such charities.
Back to my story. Can you guess what he wanted? How it was resolved? Well, Tanner finally figued it out by himself. He went to the diswaher, at fifteen months, opened it and got his favorite cup out. Autistics love routine, rituals and odd behaviors.
Think how much we can give to younger parents! Give them a jump on the learning curve by sharing such stories. Have an idea for an autism book you think should be covered? Email me at ollamok@aol.com or post it on this facebook page www.facebook.com/Tell.It.Once.4Autism. Comment on my blog.
Let me interview you for my book. You have knowledge and expertise that is worth telling. Tell me so I can Tell It ONce and For Autism!
More examples will follow in other posts.
