Autism, hedgehogs, dogs, long distance running — they all go together in my world. I am the mother of two teens: one who is on the spectrum, my son, and one who is neuro-typical, my daughter. Autism has been part of our lives since my son was diagnosed in 2004, when he was two years old. When he was diagnosed, I was not given any real help or suggestions. What I needed was a guide book, or a road map, a “where do I go from here” sort of thing. This is what I am intending this page to be. I am a mom, a special ed teacher, and a fierce autism advocate. I am not a doctor or a therapist. I cannot diagnose. What I can do, hopefully, is provide you with a road map of what to do in those early days when your son or daughter is first diagnosed.
How can I help you? When my son was diagnosed in 2004, I felt very alone. Autism resources were much harder to come by. Though our lives quickly were filled with teachers, OTs, PTs, SLPs, I felt very isolated. There did not seem to be any answers to my questions. Will he get better? Will he ever speak? Am I doing enough for him? How do I get more services? Should we try ABA, RDI, swimming with dolphins, gluten free, casein free? Which end is up, anyway? Gradually, I noticed that the best information I got was from other autism moms. We met in waiting rooms while our children were in therapy and we swapped ideas. We were not doctors or professionals in this field; we were just moms in the trenches, trying to make it through the day. This is what I want this web site to be: a road map for moms. I want you to know that you are not alone. If I can, I would like to help you. My son is now 15, and I have been on this strange yet wonderful journey for a long time. I can help you troubleshoot, bounce ideas around, look over IEPs, and advocate for your child (and you) at contentious IEP meetings. If you feel that I can help you, please reach out to me. I am always willing to listen. My consulting fees are reasonable and I believe you will feel that I am a good investment for your child. The autism path can be scary and daunting at times. Let me walk this path with you.
Harriet's Hedgehogs and Autism Advocacy 