Interview with a Super Mum!
As many of you might know, April is Autism Awareness Month which was proclaimed by United Nations in 2007. The purpose of this day is to promote autism awareness throughout the world. However, at Step by Step Centre we feel without acceptance and action, we cannot take more steps towards true inclusion, and assure that people with Autism are given a chance to achieve their highest potential. This is why we prefer to call it Autism Awareness and Acceptance month!
Similarly, we also believe that Autism acceptance and awareness should be celebrated every day and not just once a year. As being part of our community, we all have duty to actively promote inclusion and make the necessary changes to ensure equal opportunities for people for Autism.
In this regard, we wanted to share with you an interview we had with someone who is touched with Autism.
Meet an extraordinary mother and a very involved parent, Darcee!
Darcee’s son, Matthews has Autism and attends Step by Step Centre. Apart from being a busy full time mother, Darcee is a certified ice-skater and a special educator by profession. She has a very strong and quality relationship with Matthew and works closely with his teachers and therapists at Step by Step. She regularly prepares additional resources and learning materials at home and helps Matthew flourish.
Here Darcee answers some of our questions regarding her life in the land of Autism:
1. How old was Matthew when he was diagnosed? What was your response to his diagnosis?
Matthew was about two years old when he was diagnosed with Autism. This was six months after my own intuition whispered, “Your child has Autism.” We celebrate Autism Day on April 2. It’s been 10 years of Autism Days for me now. Not just April 2, but EVERY DAY. Oh the joyful things I wish I could tell my younger scared self lamenting celebrating my first April 2 a decade ago. My adventures in Autism land have been a ride of ups, downs, and unexpected surprises. But I wouldn’t change or miss a moment of it!
2. You are a special education teacher. What were/are some of the programs and supports that you use/d to help him grow and develop?
With the school’s IEP in hand, I spend much of my free time researching ways to help my son accomplish those and other goals. There are many resources and supports I have found to help him on that path of progress. Sometimes, I find exactly what I need on educational internet sites such as Teachers Pay Teachers, Twinkl, etc. If I can’t find a visual support on one of the many educational sites out there, I often create one myself. I also infuse my son’s interests, favourite characters and toys into a daily “Playschool” home program for Matthew. Vacations, community events, and even common errands also help promote his learning! Documenting my journey through pictures, videos, etc. has been helpful for his therapists/teachers and myself. Many of my adventures in Autism land with Matthew can be scrolled through on my Facebook wall. And it makes me happy to revisit those moments.
3. What was the biggest obstacle you have overcome in Matthew’s life?
The biggest obstacle was probably potty training. Alongside great therapists, lots of time, patience, and creativity went into accomplishing that task. My son wearing a face mask properly for several consecutive hours was another obstacle that I feel blessed to have overcome.
4. How do you balance family life, looking after your other children while supporting Matthew?
I believe sibling support has been a powerful tool for Matthew’s progress. I have always tried to include my sons in the process and let them help me make decisions and offer suggestions for Matthew. They have helped their brother by modeling good behaviour and assisting with teaching strategies. Reminding my other children often that they are loved and finding special time with each kid has also helped bring family life balance.
5. What is your favourite part about being Matthew’s mom?
Everything! My favourite part about being Matthew’s mom is seeing his pure joy in the simplicity of life. He finds delight in unexpected places. I love to try and see the world as Matthew does. He is unapologetically himself and always sees the best in people. He often teaches me as much as I teach him.
6. As a parent and a special educator at the same time, what advice would you give to parents whose children have been newly diagnosed with Autism?
I would say to parents beginning their journey with Autism... “See the able not the label.” Once I focused on Matthew’s strengths rather than his limitations, helping him reach his potential became easier for me. My child has Autism... So what!!! #autismwhatever. Let’s be Awesome-tistic instead!
You will have days when you feel like you got everything all figured out AND days when you don’t. Each achievement even if it’s small should be celebrated and motivate you to keep moving forward. Surround yourself with a loving support system - an army of Autism warriors. We’re out there! Come find us. You can do this!
