Erin has seven children and lives in Brook Park.

What do you do to relax?

With the amount of kids I have in my home it’s hard to find sitters to be able to go out. I used to love cross stitching when I was a teen so I have currently just started that back up. It’s been so long I can only make book marks right now until I get better at it again but it helps me relax while the kids are winding down for bed.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I now have 7 kids. My oldest just moved out and I currently have an 18 year old foster daughter, 8-year-old adopted son, 7-year-old adopted daughter, a 5-year- old foster son, 4-year-old foster son and an 8 month old foster son.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

I unfortunately had to miss the last resource fair but my friend was able to go and brought me a bag of resources as well. There was so much information in there. If I couldn’t use some of it I passed it on to others. The CFK website is also a great place to go to learn about different programs and things to do.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis I would say...

There’s going to be a lot of ups and downs. Joyous moments. Moments of tears. But in the end every bit of it is worth it and you’re going to be ok. I cried when my daughter was officially diagnosed. After giving me a moment to compose myself, the doctor said “this diagnosis does not define who she is, she is still the same little girl she was before this phone call”. And she was right. Nothing changed we just finally had answers and so many more doors opened up to get her the treatment she needed. I would tell myself to listen to what the doctor said she was absolutely right.

The best way I asked for support was...

As a foster parent, I have a whole network of foster parents. Someone in the group has done it or seen it before. That is where I reach out the most.

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...

She’s strong and pushes through. When I am sad about things she gives me a big hug and shows me it’s all going to be ok. My daughter truly inspires me. She may get frustrated in the moment but she learns to work through it. She mostly only sees good in the world and with all that’s going on in the world, I love that she lives life the way she does.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

Northeast Ohio Autism Parent Resource Group

Brigitte has one child and lives in Willoughby Hills.

What do you do to relax?

What’s that?

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I am my child's only parent and she is autistic.

What I worry about most…

I am the first & last line of defense for my child. What happens if she can't take care of herself as an adult? I worry about her all the time. I am a single mother who is also taking care of my mom as well. There's no rest for me but I will never give up on my daughter! I am working hard to help my daughter gain skills so she can have the best life possible! Autonomy is the name of the game!

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

I was 36 years old when I had my first and last child. She is 6 and was diagnosed with autism at 3. I knew that there would be challenges and I thought that I would have help. I don't want this to sound selfish but I have helped everyone around me. I have no help with my daughter and no breaks. My support team consists of 3 elders that are well above the age of 79 years old. Raising a child who is neurodivergent ain't for the weak! Also, those same people who abandoned us, are no longer in our lives!

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...

My daughter is the best teacher I have ever had! She teaches me how to be patient and take time to look at life! We learn together and her diagnosis has made me research about the spectrum. I wouldn't change anything about our journey together! I love my daughter so much!

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

The Gentle Life (YouTube Channel)

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?

I am blessed to be able to go on this journey with my daughter! I don't look at my daughter as having a disability, she is magic and I am here for it! Also, take care of yourself so you can take care of your child. Your child deserves a well-rested parent.

Guinevere has two children and lives in Parma

What do you do to relax?

Read and exercise.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

My son has made friends and I have as well. We have found many programs and resources we wouldn't have found otherwise.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

Share & Support groups

What I worry about most…

Is my child's future. I want him to be able to date and experience normal milestones that other children/young adults do.

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...

Is sharing in their joy when they "get it.”

The most difficult part of parenting a child who struggles...

Others not understanding that you cannot take the same approach with a special needs child as you would a neurotypical child.