It happens every January. Like clockwork. The phones of the local Autism Society begin to ring. Frequently. The January Autism Orientation, which I co-lead, has more than it's usual numbers of reservations. It's time, people figure. The holidays are over. It's time to deal.
Deal. Yes, please do. I do not mean my words to sound harsh or to be read as criticism. I am well aware that we all come to this journey via different routes. Early on I was clear that how I dealt with autism was based on my familial upbringing, my education level, my personal growth, my professional skill set and my sense of spirituality–specifically to this situation–where I believe God is in this world and how s/he operates in our reality. Regardless of the paths we take that lead us to the disAbility journey…BAM! Suddenly, ready or not, we're here!
Deal. Deal, please. It had been awhile since I was exposed to what I heard and witnessed a few months back at a seminar about a crucial juncture in the lives of soon-to-be adults with autism. I'd forgotten that some disAbility families suddenly find themselves at a precipice and they aren't ready. They aren't prepared. Since then and many times before I've seen parents shocked to find themselves at crucial transition periods or events in their children's lives that could have been prepared for and would have been less of a shocker. And then there are those who reside in a condo overlooking th' riva, as Husband 2.0 used to say. You, know the River of De-Nile….Reality happens whether we acknowledge it or not. Be prepared. Please.
Tick tock. Don't wait. It's a New Year, friends. Yet, pacing is important. So is doing. Doing and pacing aren't mutually exclusive. And while you're doing at a healthy pace, you're doing for your future and your child's. Don't get caught in the future with nothing or too little left undone. There are resources. You can do it. I know it's hard. I'm there with you. Your future and your child's–my future, my child's–depend on it.
Welcome to January 2012. Deal! I believe in You!
Leisa, this is so needed! Is there a way to print it out and leave the message like flyers around our community? Do you have ideas about how to help families begin the journey of dealing? Good books or seminars? I know I’ve been to one of the ones you host, but how to help people who need to know begin the process of finding out how to attend and other stuff? Do you think they get any encouragement to “deal” from their pediatricians or the health department (perhaps if they’re unable to afford a pediatrician)? Thanks for all you do!
Margie, thank you once again for your kindness here. I am particularly grateful for you responding so positively to this post. Though I am passionate here, I am relieved that at least you understand where my heart is in this–not to be critical but to alert people to the HUGE complications if people wait to act regarding their children with special needs.
I have been accepted to present at least one workshop at the May Tennessee Disability Mega conference. I am excited about this because it will allow me to take the message you heard–which I present bi-monthly–to a greater disAbility audience. (https://leisahammett.com/2011/11/bi-monthly-autism-orientation-tomorrow-1117.html)
Not to show disrespect, but I think most pediatricians and much less health department are clueless in these matters, IMO.
The workshop title is – The DisAbility Journey: From Grief to Acceptance. I have applied for as a co-leader of another workshop on a different topic. We’ve not gotten word back on it yet. But the first workshop I mentioned here addresses your question. Thanks again!