VitalGuide Archives

A Father's Perspective

Expertise Area(s):

Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Special Education, Special Needs Advocacy, Speech-Language Pathology, VitalGuide

The journey through autism presents many challenges and Fathers play a critical role in their child’s development each step of the way. Focused on being a good father and husband while maintaining a positive, healthy and safe family environment can be very challenging during this journey.

This support group is here for the Dads out there facing these challenges and bring them together to help one another. Whether you are struggling with first time diagnosis, a child going through puberty, sports or just want to talk to fellow Dads who can relate to everyday issues this site is for you.

This site is also here for all parents who want to discuss anything autism, or even just want to get a Fathers point of view.

A Mother's Love

Expertise Area(s):

Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Special Education, Special Needs Advocacy, Speech-Language Pathology, VitalGuide

I am a wife and mother of twins. I am also a Social Worker for the past 22 years. Our son was diagnosed with PDD at 20 months and then with Autism shortly after. Those early years were especially challenging as we tried to understand and then learn as much as we could to help our son who was struggling.

We have attempted to push forward the best we knew how and to keep our minds open to new opportunities for our son. We have also worked to keep our family strong and to focus on what is most important- some days we do better than others.

My goal is to be transparent with our challenges but also with our victories. I have found value in the community of Vitalxchange and truly wish we had something like this when our son was first diagnosed. I am pleased to contribute and help others, and to continue on our own path of helping our son, as each day presents new opportunities. He is now a teenager, and this too has presented some additional hurdles, but we will never give up.

I hope you will find comfort in knowing someone else understands, and most likely shares your concerns, feelings, and experiences. All children are unique, but we parents have many similar thoughts and worries, as well as hopes and dreams for our children.

Plan A-Z

Expertise Area(s):

Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Special Education, Special Needs Advocacy, Speech-Language Pathology, VitalGuide

Autism is not a one-size fits all condition. It is often said that if you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism. What works for one person may not work for another; what works one time may not work the next time. That’s why it’s beneficial to have options…to fill up your toolbox with different plans to meet the next challenge. I am a mom of children with Autism and other special needs, and I’ve been advocating for them for over 17 years. I’ve learned a lot through this journey, and I’d like to share what I have learned with you. There’s a lot of new language to learn, a lot of specialists and therapists that you’ll encounter, so many meetings to attend (IEPs, IFSPs, etc.), and a lot of other medical conditions that can go along with Autism. It can be overwhelming to navigate all of this – and you don’t get an instruction manual with your special needs child that tells you what steps you need to take and when. That’s where I can help.

Autism 'Tude

Expertise Area(s):

Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, VitalGuide

I am the mom to an amazing 14-year-old boy who has autism, apraxia, sensory processing disorder, and a seizure disorder. Over the years, I have tried my share of both traditional and non-traditional interventions for my son, and I want to share what I have learned from those experiences to help other parents.

There are no “one-size-fits-all” answers for our kids, and I believe strongly that parents should be presented with options and be empowered to choose the treatments that resonate for their children. We know our kids better than anyone and should be the leaders of our kids’ teams, surrounding ourselves with people who believe in our kids as much as we do and who look at things from a holistic perspective. I would like to help parents be the leaders of their team and not have to feel at the mercy of others who don’t know their child the way a parent does.

Through the most challenging times of my son’s journey, I have studied how to manage my own attitude so that I can be the most effective advocate and parent for him. I want to pass along some of those attitudes and skills to again help empower parents.

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A Father's Perspective

A Mother's Love

Plan A-Z

Autism 'Tude

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