Autism Corner

Last week I posted a flyer regarding Table Talk on Autism. It's a free event, just email the contact name listed. These individuals are interested in hearing the stories of how families in First Nations communities are struggling to cope with the everyday needs of our special needs children. How can we get more support for First Nations families? This is just part of the Autism Awareness needed to bring light to what is the greatest need for our families and children. I encourage anyone to sign up for this, and for anything else that may get posted along the way. Awareness is what we need to get out into our community.

For all the families out there, do not be ashamed of Autism. I do understand the denial of learning that your child may have a disability. The feeling of your world just crashing in on you. What do I do next? Is there hope for my child? Is he/she going to have a "Normal" lifestyle? What do I do next? How do I get help? Where do I get help? What? What? What? I was so full of questions and concerns that I did not hesitate to get support services for my son. I read everything I possibly could on Autism. I stressed out on getting the diagnoses as quickly as possible. I was relentless to get the many diagnostic appointments required for my son. Why? Well, I was scared. I was scared he was not going to be a self-sufficient man. He had no speech, no eye contact, no touch, he lived in his own "bubble", and "stemmed" A LOT! It took many years, many therapy hours, many travel trips for various appointments to get as far as we are now. It is non-stop therapy. He must be a self-sufficient young man in the future; I am so scared to leave him and he is not self-sufficient. I do not want him "institutionalized" or "labeled", and not be able to live a full, satisfying life. I fear this every day; my priority is my son and helping him become the best he can be.

My son is nine years old now; he talks your ear off about certain interests (repeatedly), he loves to be touched, he is always in my "bubble" now, he wants the attention all the time, and the stemming is still there just not spinning out of control. He is in school, and he continues with in-home therapy at least 3 times per week. Prior to COVID, that is. However, his therapist is an essential worker, so they can resume therapy sessions after 6 months off. Now, what a trip for me, whoa, a whole different story there.

I would like to end by saying, please, do not give up. There is hope. It is a long, hard road, the payoff is so rewarding. If you have any questions/concerns call me or email me. We are still in need of community members to help form a committee for Akwesasne Autism Spectrum Disorder Therapy Center. This is still the plan, my team and I meet every week, I would be pleased to announce anything new from the community.

Nia:wenko:wa,

Fawn Cole

Home Phone:613-933-6730

Email Address: [email protected]