It may not seem like it, but we’ve come so far in being able to identify and diagnose someone on the autism spectrum. Even though Aspergers Syndrome was classified in 1944 by pediatrician Hans Asperger, no medical professional or therapist ever mentioned or discussed it as a possible explanation for my son’s developmental and social issues.
I knew at two that something was amiss and even suspected that Jonathan was autistic but the professionals were adamant that he couldn’t be because he was high functioning. But we moms, KNOW our children and when he was medically diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at age 13, I was already doing what needed to be done to help him grow to reach his best potential.
He’s an adult now and I’m still (and will always be) vigilant about his well-being. I have taken on many roles as his guardian angel and life coach, using super powers I never thought I had and doing things I never thought I could do.
Relentless Salesperson
Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never give up.” I don’t and I never will. I’m not an aggressive or very outgoing person, but when it comes to Jonathan and his needs, I won’t take “no” for an answer. Like the time I found the fully-booked, highly-recommended occupational therapist and after she said “sorry not possible,” I convinced her to take on “just one more client.”
Corporate CEO
The good news is that Jonathan is high functioning, and the bad news is that he’s high functioning. What I mean by this is that he often falls through the cracks when it comes to getting access to services and interventions that can aid him in his growth and development. In Northern California, where we live, Aspergers Syndrome isn’t a diagnosis that allows him to become a client of The Golden Gate Regional Center, and if he isn’t a GGRC client, then that limits the services available to him. Why? Because most of the organizations are paid by the state through GGRC and aren’t set up administratively for private paying clientele.
When Jonathan became a teenager, I knew I had to find someone who could help me deal with his emotional development, because I could sense that all he was hearing from me was “blah, blah, blah.” And as parents, we learned long before that Jonathan was just too sensitive to any constructive criticism from his father, so my husband always tries to keep things light and positive.
I found the perfect solution in an organization that offered life skills counseling…the only problem was that they didn’t take on private clients because they got paid through GGRC.
So I put on my virtual corporate business suit and was determined to make my son their latest client acquisition! I prepared a two-page, succinct, benefit-oriented executive level summary to convince them that they were the only ones who could help (which was the truth). What did I have to lose?
Two weeks later I got a call from the director saying that they, indeed, wanted to work with Jonathan and figured out a way for us to pay them directly. It was life-changing, still is, and Jonathan’s been benefitting from their services for the last 8 years.
Foot Soldier
Jonathan seems to go through phases where he has tremendous growth, reaches a plateau, stays there for awhile, and then starts to struggle socially and developmentally. With no crystal ball or prognosticative abilities, I find that I must have my eyes and ears constantly “on the ground’ to clear his path and scout for supportive individuals and organizations that can join the ranks when called to duty.
Pioneer Woman
I often picture myself as one of the early pioneer women blazing a trail into the unknown to create a better life for their families. I summon their courage, strength and fortitude as I help my son and his drive to be fully independent.
Citizen of Oz
Dorothy, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Wizard of Oz—I’m a combination of these characters using all my powers, influences, creativity, fast-thinking, courage, and heart to help my son thrive. Today, my focus is on innovating opportunities for Jonathan to earn a sustainable income. I’m counting on my OZian personas to pave his yellow brick road. I’m not trying to make it easy or challenge free, even Dorothy had to conquer the Wicked Witch, no, I’m just trying to make sure he has the same access to Oz as anybody else.
Who Will I Be Tomorrow?
Sherlock Holmes? General Patton? Wonder Woman? I’ll be whomever I’m called on to be. The only thing I know for sure, is that I am and always will be Jonathan’s mom.
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Hi! I LOVE this! I am currently advocating as fiercely as I am able for my sons- it is a battle against dereliction and repugnancy! I intend on printing your top graphic (with the balloons) for my motivation at an IEP on Wednesday. I shared this article on FB and a friend of mine with a daughter on the spectrum commented that she loved this article. I know the graphic was made specific to this article and the author is a mother of a son that needs advocacy, but I wonder if you could make a second graphic for the mothers out there with girls that also would love to have “I will be what she needs me to be” be their battle cry. 🙂
Thank you Tiffany! I created a version at the end of the post using the feminine pronoun. Feel free to use and share! Channel your “Katniss Everdeen” for your upcoming battle. We are with you in spirit!
Hi Jodi, I just discovered your blog and admire your posts. This one is especially good, I think, because it is the voice of all the mothers out there who are raising kids with special needs.
I too am blazing trail, introducing my live animation technology to help families with children on the spectrum. Perhaps I could connect with you somehow (LinkedIn?) so we could run some ideas past you? We’re near northern California in the Lake Tahoe area.
Hang in there and know you are supported, even when it must seem like that’s not really true.
Thank you so much Gary! Yes I will connect with you on LinkedIn fellow trailblazer!