Thank you for your sweet words, Trudi. I would love to see Heather write a how-to book about her work with her boys. There are so many other parents of Autistic Spectrum children who would possibly love to be able to do the same with their children but don’t know where to begin. She could help so many of them with a book..
How old is your son, Trudi? You and Heather probably have a lot in common.
Missed you too C J , won;t get into how i am feeling on post . Am truly amazed at everything everyone did to beat autism . All of you should take a bow , I know it is because you are all a very loving family . peace and love
You’re right, Love has a lot to do with it, but it also has to include the courage to set your jaw, go for broke, come hell or high water, pull out all the stops decision to put everything you’ve got into something to make it better.
I’m glad I know this about your family! This all felt so close to my experience with my dear daughter, who is turning 22 soon! I don’t remember my ASL as much once my daughter started talking. Lamination and velcros were my best friends! Thanks for reminding me my rewarding journey as a Mom! ❤️
May I congratulate you then, Wen, for your hard work and love with your daughter! Knowing this, I also feel I know more about the type of person you are —Congratulations, Wen.
I’m sorry for Heather to have gone through that alone. It was a lonely road…and a gnarly one, I must say…I would be honored…I know of couple other authors here that are fantastic Mamas to our children with autism… all of us carried on a life only we would truly understand and appreciate…
That’s exactly the sort of author(s) that should write a how-to book. Think of the people you could help who have no idea which way to turn, people who might take their doctor’s advice and put their toddler in an institution to sit in a wheelchair their whole life locked up inside themselves.
We are the best advocate for our children. I never sold my daughter short. When all people in the world gave me no hope, I was the only hopeful one. If I gave up back then, there was no way my daughter would be where she is now. It was tremendously hard on me and the family (my marriage did not survive it), but it was so worth it! Blood and sweat, I called that period……bittersweet, really…
Yes, knowing what all Heather had to put into her own family, I can believe that. You were a caring, loving, and courageous young mother and because of Heather I know all you gave up to do what you had to do for your daughter. It was worth it for you and for my daughter.
Heather’s marriage didn’t survive either. She was married for 23 years to a Marine Corp sniper who was gone on deployments most of those years. This meant she raised four children, three of which were autistic, by herself.
Her husband never really looked into the autism aspect. He only knew his boys were different and he blamed her for not raising them right — You and Heather should collaborate on writing a how-to book for other parents of autistics who don’t know how to even get started with helping their child.
I would be honored, but I would not even know where to start…I just admitted that I MAY BE a writer couple months ago…haha! But I’m never the one to get out of a challenge. I will text you my phone if you can talk Heather into it, haha…
Incredible story! What a woman your daughter is! And what a victory for these wonderful young men. Thank you for this story. Hugs to all your family ❤️
I love this story and its success, especially remembering the angst my daughter had about her son, Robby. It took him a long time to begin talking, but he immediately showed signs of tactile learning. As an infant, he was fascinated by the fabrics of my clothes as I held him, to the magnifying glass on a necklace. Favorite toy. During a doctor's visit and talking about his developmental "problems," the doctor watched Robby playing with the wheels on a chair. "Oh, we have a little engineer here." Bingo! Robby later tested negative for Autism, which came as a relief for my daughter. It's kind of amusing, though, to watch this kid focus so ardently on whatever he's doing with his toys (pretending, stacking, organizing objects) that he fights off social interaction. He doesn't even have time to eat or go to the bathroom. Yes, he has problems, but they're having to do with how his personality integrates with society's expectations.
I’m glad Robby didn’t have to deal with autism, Sue. It sounds like your daughter is also prepared to do whatever she has to do, whatever it takes —I know you’re very proud of her.
Are we ever done being a mother? No, I don’t think we are. Not in a million years. 😁😁
Thank you so much for posting this. Love a child as they are, and they will bring out the best of you. Your Heather is an excellent Teacher, she comes from the heart, doesn't she?
Thank you C.J. Going to pass this along to my sister, my 4 year old nephew Mason is autistic and he's a light and inspiration for our family. He was born in the summer of 2020 and she knew he was different, but everyone told her he was fine, just a pandemic baby. She fought to be heard and I remind my sister all the time that these label only exist to get the services Mason needs and do not define or limit him. My sister is way more feisty than I am and one hell of an advocate for her son. Love to you and yours.
Thank you so much, Kristin, for your kind comments. Your little nephew, Mason, was caught early and I’m glad he can get the services he needs. They are in place to help these children and it’s so sad when children —for whatever reason —don’t get diagnosed at all. I’m glad your sister is feisty! My Heather is, too! (she was my “wild child”). That’s what it takes!
Aw it's a shame. I know we are truly lucky to live in an area with a variety of available services at our disposal. It is a battle and a mystery in the best of circumstances, I'm just so happy you shared this story with your readers.
This story hits me right in the heart. My youngest daughter’s name is Heather. She has two children, a daughter and son. My grandson is CJ and is autistic. He is highly functional, actually, a brilliant mind. My Heather, a devoted mom and hard worker, studied and applied all her knowledge with CJ which I have no doubt he will have a wonderful life. Thank you for your share, it’s so awesome.
Thank you for your kind comments, Jo-Ann —I’m smiling at the similarities you mentioned. I’m sure your grandson is in the perfect hands. Nothing works its magic like the power of love, as I watched in my Heather’s case.
This made me cry. My son has Asperger’s and so much of this resonates. Your daughter is remarkable. And so are her children. ❤️
Thank you for your sweet words, Trudi. I would love to see Heather write a how-to book about her work with her boys. There are so many other parents of Autistic Spectrum children who would possibly love to be able to do the same with their children but don’t know where to begin. She could help so many of them with a book..
How old is your son, Trudi? You and Heather probably have a lot in common.
He’s just turned 20 and us at university close by
That’s wonderful, Trudi. You must be very proud!
Very! 💕
You should be proud of yourself, as well. You're a strong and loving mama bear!
That's exactly correct! Einstein and Tesla were autistic. There just was not a clinical word for it during their time. Autistic can also mean GENIUS!
💞❤️
Thank you for sharing this with me
You’re welcome, David. Thank you for restacking the post.
Great article about a mothers love , a grandmothers love , And very strong children , C J . Congrats to all in it . Hugs and love and peace to all
Hello Mitch! I’ve missed you and I was getting worried. How are you feeling, my friend?
Thank you very much for your kind words about the autism post.
hugs and peace back to you, Mitch
Missed you too C J , won;t get into how i am feeling on post . Am truly amazed at everything everyone did to beat autism . All of you should take a bow , I know it is because you are all a very loving family . peace and love
You’re right, Love has a lot to do with it, but it also has to include the courage to set your jaw, go for broke, come hell or high water, pull out all the stops decision to put everything you’ve got into something to make it better.
Thank you Mitch.
hugs and love
Love upbringing and strength . Plus courage to tell drs they are wrong . Wish i had all of that many years ago . Hugs and peace to you and family
I wish you did, too, Mitch. There are a lot of things I wish you had many years ago.
Hugs and peace
It never has...
Exactly. Thanks, David.
I’m glad I know this about your family! This all felt so close to my experience with my dear daughter, who is turning 22 soon! I don’t remember my ASL as much once my daughter started talking. Lamination and velcros were my best friends! Thanks for reminding me my rewarding journey as a Mom! ❤️
May I congratulate you then, Wen, for your hard work and love with your daughter! Knowing this, I also feel I know more about the type of person you are —Congratulations, Wen.
hug
I’m sorry for Heather to have gone through that alone. It was a lonely road…and a gnarly one, I must say…I would be honored…I know of couple other authors here that are fantastic Mamas to our children with autism… all of us carried on a life only we would truly understand and appreciate…
That’s exactly the sort of author(s) that should write a how-to book. Think of the people you could help who have no idea which way to turn, people who might take their doctor’s advice and put their toddler in an institution to sit in a wheelchair their whole life locked up inside themselves.
Just think about it, okay?
We are the best advocate for our children. I never sold my daughter short. When all people in the world gave me no hope, I was the only hopeful one. If I gave up back then, there was no way my daughter would be where she is now. It was tremendously hard on me and the family (my marriage did not survive it), but it was so worth it! Blood and sweat, I called that period……bittersweet, really…
Yes, knowing what all Heather had to put into her own family, I can believe that. You were a caring, loving, and courageous young mother and because of Heather I know all you gave up to do what you had to do for your daughter. It was worth it for you and for my daughter.
Heather’s marriage didn’t survive either. She was married for 23 years to a Marine Corp sniper who was gone on deployments most of those years. This meant she raised four children, three of which were autistic, by herself.
Her husband never really looked into the autism aspect. He only knew his boys were different and he blamed her for not raising them right — You and Heather should collaborate on writing a how-to book for other parents of autistics who don’t know how to even get started with helping their child.
I would be honored, but I would not even know where to start…I just admitted that I MAY BE a writer couple months ago…haha! But I’m never the one to get out of a challenge. I will text you my phone if you can talk Heather into it, haha…
Incredible story! What a woman your daughter is! And what a victory for these wonderful young men. Thank you for this story. Hugs to all your family ❤️
Thank you, Cesca! Yes, she is pretty remarkable. Hugs and love to you and your family, too.
Thanks again.
A truly inspirational story of love C.J. 😊💜🙏🥰
Thank you, Simone. I will let Heather know what you said here.
💜🙏
❤️💞
I love this story and its success, especially remembering the angst my daughter had about her son, Robby. It took him a long time to begin talking, but he immediately showed signs of tactile learning. As an infant, he was fascinated by the fabrics of my clothes as I held him, to the magnifying glass on a necklace. Favorite toy. During a doctor's visit and talking about his developmental "problems," the doctor watched Robby playing with the wheels on a chair. "Oh, we have a little engineer here." Bingo! Robby later tested negative for Autism, which came as a relief for my daughter. It's kind of amusing, though, to watch this kid focus so ardently on whatever he's doing with his toys (pretending, stacking, organizing objects) that he fights off social interaction. He doesn't even have time to eat or go to the bathroom. Yes, he has problems, but they're having to do with how his personality integrates with society's expectations.
I’m glad Robby didn’t have to deal with autism, Sue. It sounds like your daughter is also prepared to do whatever she has to do, whatever it takes —I know you’re very proud of her.
Are we ever done being a mother? No, I don’t think we are. Not in a million years. 😁😁
Thank you for sharing Robby’s story. ❤️💞
A wonderful family- the way you have dealt with the problems.
💞❤️
Thank you so much for posting this. Love a child as they are, and they will bring out the best of you. Your Heather is an excellent Teacher, she comes from the heart, doesn't she?
She does, Bliss. She really does.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments.
Thank you C.J. Going to pass this along to my sister, my 4 year old nephew Mason is autistic and he's a light and inspiration for our family. He was born in the summer of 2020 and she knew he was different, but everyone told her he was fine, just a pandemic baby. She fought to be heard and I remind my sister all the time that these label only exist to get the services Mason needs and do not define or limit him. My sister is way more feisty than I am and one hell of an advocate for her son. Love to you and yours.
Thank you so much, Kristin, for your kind comments. Your little nephew, Mason, was caught early and I’m glad he can get the services he needs. They are in place to help these children and it’s so sad when children —for whatever reason —don’t get diagnosed at all. I’m glad your sister is feisty! My Heather is, too! (she was my “wild child”). That’s what it takes!
hugs and love to you and yours, too!
Aw it's a shame. I know we are truly lucky to live in an area with a variety of available services at our disposal. It is a battle and a mystery in the best of circumstances, I'm just so happy you shared this story with your readers.
Autistic children have a very special place in my heart. I’m sure you feel it, too. It was time to share the story.
Thank you, Kristin. ❤️
Mine too ❤️❤️
❤️❤️
This story hits me right in the heart. My youngest daughter’s name is Heather. She has two children, a daughter and son. My grandson is CJ and is autistic. He is highly functional, actually, a brilliant mind. My Heather, a devoted mom and hard worker, studied and applied all her knowledge with CJ which I have no doubt he will have a wonderful life. Thank you for your share, it’s so awesome.
Thank you for your kind comments, Jo-Ann —I’m smiling at the similarities you mentioned. I’m sure your grandson is in the perfect hands. Nothing works its magic like the power of love, as I watched in my Heather’s case.
I wish you the very best 2025.
I wish you the same.
CJ, What an amazing woman!
Thank you, Dave. Yes, she’s a very special woman. It’s hard for me to believe she was once my “wild child”. (grinning)
What an amazing loving and caring family.
Thank you, Kathleen. You’re very sweet to say that.
Carlos, thank you for the restack on my Autism post today.