Having had two amazing girls and being able to watch them grow up into independent women. I’m feeling more than blessed when I celebrate Autism day.
I have had more than my share of pity parties and comparing myself and my family with others over the years.
I’d like to share a story with you in this blog:
It was a shock to hear that the school had burnt to the ground. Both our girls were to attend classes in venues scattered around our small town. We had just returned home from living in Manhattan City, the school classroom situation was not one that we choose to settle the girls back into “normal” school routine after months of home schooling. There are great business ideas for women for children with autism like pet sitting, dog walking, mystery shopping and tutoring etc.
When I look back now it was the best thing that happened for us as a family, to rent a house in the city and commute back to our farm and our country town.
One of my favorite relationships that developed was with a family that included two girls.
I watched, with growing appreciation, for many years this family encouraging with extraordinary elegance and experimenting with family stability with the youngest daughter to develop her independence to develop and direct her interests and her self-esteem. My appreciation keeps growing as Jennifer ( not her real name for privacy reasons) is a young woman now who cooks for herself, has hobbies and a job that would put most peoples activities to shame.
Jennifer with her family and friends live with Autism. You can read more about Autism here https://www.autismspeaks.org
I took Jennifer shopping this one day. She was spot on with the pricing and her menu planning for the week inspired me to not only plan my week’s food but to also read the labels more than I did before this day. Her budgeting skills and her ability to keep my list of purchases on track was a lesson I have taken and put into my shopping routine. I realized there was a part of me that loved the detail and precision.
The most I love about Jennifer is her ability to be herself. I’m sure if we were all more like her we would all be not only happier we would also live life with further freedom. The last year autism speaks business ideas for women initiative is executed with extraordinary ventures and reflected as a strong sense of optimism, discovery, and collaborations.
Who do you have in your life who inspires you?
Lets Celebrate woman and girls with Autism
Tell us how they inspire you.
With Hugs
Di Downie
I am so glad this popped into my inbox Di, thank you as one of my dear friends: Maxi now 11years old whom I have know from birth is a true love of mine. He and his Mum (Melissa) who is my artist in my interior design business, are hero’s in my estimation as I have been witness and supported so many stages of Max’s development and the many many challenges that have arisen in his medications, education and therapy. He has a strong personality and has you in stitches at times and in tears many times over. He loves chips and like many autistic children only has certain colours of foods he is attracted to. He loves water and the pool and now the ocean. Just today I saw a post on the surfing guys in Perth who are together taking autistic children to catch the waves!!! Max is actually learning the surf board. He loves horse riding and the affinity often for autistic children with horses is very theraputic..
He loves logo’s and brands and signs of them. So doffie is a winner here!!
At one time he was obsessed with Playboy labelled deodrant at the chemist and Melissa would end up buying it and using it (although for men) at Max’s insistence but also she couldn’t afford buying a ladies one as well. Sole parents pension and all that can go with juggling with a father that is involved but from a distance.
How much do I love him. to the moon and back!!! (:
Always love to have you here Doffie
Such a beautiful story thankyou for sharing it with us
Di
You are one of my heroes Di for continually going for it, sharing what you know and being available. Great piece. Love D
Diane
you are one of my role models
I always love to see your comments and I take your encouragement
Love you Diane
Di
Hey Di,
It great to be reading your post again. It’s always the best efforts you have put into your content, that’s why it will help many out there looking to learn.
By the way, Thanks for the great read Di.
~ Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted…Top 5 Best Women’s Lacrosse Sticks
Donna Merrill,,Really appreciate your time and your encouragement
You are a role model for me
Di
I’m so thankful someone like you is doing this, Di. Hoping you’d continue going for it. Cheers to you, Di! 🙂
Thankyou Kyla,
Too much to share Kyla
I have no choice on so many levels
Di