"Out of difficulties, grow miracles.” – Jean de la Bruyere
In America, the CDC reports that 1 out of 54 children have already been diagnosed with Autism, with boys more significantly affected than girls. Additionally, 1 out of 6 children (17%) aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with a related developmental disability, which includes ADD/ADHD. These numbers continue to grow, year on year - and exponentially. This “Epidemic of Autism” takes a tremendous toll – financial, emotional and social - on not only the increasing number of children affected, but their families and communities overall. And while Autism may be painted in a friendly light on television, or in the cinema, and even by those less dramatically affected – the less romantic truth is that the mortality rates for those with autism are notably higher than the general population, and the majority of diagnosed children will become adults who remain fully dependent on their aging parents alone for lifetime support.
Once upon a time Autism was believed to be exclusively a brain, or psychological disorder – and, in fact, the behavioral criteria by which children continue to be diagnosed is sourced from the DSM V, published by the American Psychiatric Association. And while this may be helpful in labeling the effects of Autism - the symptoms - it does absolutely nothing to help determine the underlying cause of these behaviors and therefore potential opportunities for treatment, and amelioration. (Remember, the brain [behavior] and the body are connected – as you can personally observe after a few too many cocktails.) Fortunately for both the children and their families, there has emerged a tremendous (and ever growing) amount of evidence-based and clinical research, and a body of Licensed Medical Professionals, MAPS practitioners, that support the medical treatment of Autism and related disorders. Autism is indeed medical, oftentimes a whole-body disorder. And, as such, treatable. Not all children will recover. But many can enjoy a significant reduction of symptoms, and – as such – an improved quality of life.
When a child is first diagnosed with Autism it can be a tremendously frightening, stressful and isolating experience for the parents. Devastated, panicked, eager and anxious to help their child, the parents will go online to discover pages of dissenting opinion (not all of it good) and a host of quick fixes and miracle cure promises offered at a hefty price tag, to boot. (I have certainly tried quite a few of them.) But there is no such thing as a miracle cure and/or a quick fix. Each child is very different, what works for one may not work for another. Healing takes time. And commitment. And lots of work. With many ups and downs. Much of it that will need to be done by the parents alone, which can be a daunting prospect.
The very purpose of the work I do is to help you to understand your options, help you to develop a blueprint to best support your child, and help guide you to the professional (and many, free) resources available to you so that you can, in turn, effectively establish a sensible foundation for your child’s future – all the while saving time and financial resources, both of which can quickly get out of control (the estimated cost of Autism is $60,000 per year, through childhood). My value - to you, and the hundreds of families that I have helped worldwide - is the personal guidance, education and support that I offer for your unique situation, along with the extensive knowledge shared from the experiences (and plenty of mistakes) I have personally made along this long journey. I am not a medical doctor. I am a parent, just like you, and my goal is to help you to help your own child.
There is hope. You are not alone.
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER:
1. We schedule a free 15 minute introductory call.
2. We schedule an initial 2 hour initial intake session. Prior to this session I will provide you with forms to complete, along with a link to the ATEC. This helps me to better understand where you, and your child, are on this journey.
3. During the intake call I will hear your story, learn about your concerns and priorities, learn about what you're already doing, what you've tried - and what you can, and are able to do.
4. In the days following this initial intake, I will prepare a custom summary of our call, along with references, resources and a personalized “action plan” for you.
5. We will then schedule a follow-up call to review the summary that I have created for you.
6. Just about all of my clients benefit from scheduled coaching sessions to help keep them motivated and on track, and to answer the many questions that arise on this journey’s path. The frequency of these sessions is entirely based on your needs. My recommendation is to have at least one follow-up session per month, and one quick check in.
7. At all times, I am available by text or email for a quick question.
“I never cease to be amazed at the power of the coaching process to draw out the skills or talent that was previously hidden within an individual, and which invariably finds a way to solve a problem previously thought unsolvable.”
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