Jessica is the mom of two children from Garfield Heights.
What do you do to relax?
Pray, read, dance and spend time with friends.
What else would you like to tell us about yourself?
We moved to Cleveland in 2015 from Dallas.
What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?
Behavior management, autism resources, play techniques and valuable friendships.
Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?
Teach Me to Play and the Coffee and Chat about marriage.
If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis I would say...
it is important to trust yourself. There is no harm in seeking out perspective on your child. The diagnosis confirmed my initial suspicion. I had suspected something different about our daughter for at least one year. She did not like to play, repeated phrases, had a photographic memory, would have intense meltdowns, needed routines and did not make eye contact. Most people were sure it was normal behavior but I had a hunch. I am grateful that I trusted myself to pursue questions with doctors, teachers, and professionals. The diagnosis is scary but opens the door to help and have a better understanding of my child.
What I worry about most…
My daughter’s future for long term growth and success on the spectrum. Will she date or marry? Will she be independent or have to have an aide? Will she understand danger in each stage of life? Will she be bullied? Will her speech improve?
The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...
I am part of an incredible network of parents and have so many resources for Autism spectrum support. I am not the only one in this struggle and relieved to have others I can turn to who are in similar situations and understand.
Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?
Finding Coopers Voice
Key Ministry
Color of Autism
Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?
Every day, I am learning something interesting and new. The journey continues every second, minute, hour, day by day.
