As my dear friend who suggested I attend this program stated, there really aren't words to describe the experience and what I walked away with from it, but I'll share some general thoughts. Amazing!!! I'm okay if my children never change and always have Autism. However, I know in my heart and soul that they will grow....through love and acceptance. Like any parent, you just want your children to achieve their potential, strive for the best, and be happy. I can think this way too. There is no "your child will always be this way" mentality that I was having crammed down my throat months ago. I will never accept that. Change is possible, scientifically and otherwise, for everyone at any age. The brain is not a solid, fixed matter. Autism isn't static. Life isn't static. It's ever-evolving for all of us. And yes, we are thinking recovery here.
And I'm not alone. It was very emotional and surreal to be surrounded by a hundred plus people from 21 different countries who deal with the EXACT same things. We've gotten increasingly used to feeling alone so it's a comfort to know we are not. I am extremely grateful Brad was also able to attend the program. I can't imagine him not sharing the experience. It was crucial for us both to attend. While we learned many many specific techniques that are proven to work, the bottom line is love. Nothing can grow without it. We all just want to be happy in this life, and you can't be happy without love. It's that easy. I am already planning on attending subsequent programs they offer. I will have to do some fundraising, but maybe the most important lesson I learned is that absolutely NOTHING is impossible. Hard work and the right attitude will take you wherever you want to go.
And I'm not alone. It was very emotional and surreal to be surrounded by a hundred plus people from 21 different countries who deal with the EXACT same things. We've gotten increasingly used to feeling alone so it's a comfort to know we are not. I am extremely grateful Brad was also able to attend the program. I can't imagine him not sharing the experience. It was crucial for us both to attend. While we learned many many specific techniques that are proven to work, the bottom line is love. Nothing can grow without it. We all just want to be happy in this life, and you can't be happy without love. It's that easy. I am already planning on attending subsequent programs they offer. I will have to do some fundraising, but maybe the most important lesson I learned is that absolutely NOTHING is impossible. Hard work and the right attitude will take you wherever you want to go.
Go Girl!
ReplyDeleteHow about a simple PayPal button on your blog to accept donations?
ReplyDeleteYes! Amanda also suggested this! Have to figure it out! Brad said he'd sit in a ball pit in front of Wal-Mart too!
DeleteIf you ever want to dialogue, I would love to "practice" my skills. It would be mutually beneficial.
ReplyDeleteWe will have to do this for sure. In the coming weeks, I'm sure to need some....I'm not sure how my ABA people are going to fit in all this!
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