I think that the best form of autism advocacy is to empower our population to find their own voices, and tell their own stories. These are voices worth listening to.
That said, I am grateful for the fact that being a Mum to two boys on the spectrum forms a very big part of my own story, and is the reason for starting Majestic Movements with Lee.
When Max and Oscar’s autism became apparent (when they were both very young), I was completely overwhelmed, and absolutely terrified. It was an incredibly challenging period for all of us and I knew the world would never seem the same to me again. Of course, I certainly loved them no less – I just didn’t like to see them struggle so much compared to typically developing children their age.
Autism is a neurological, developmental condition, and it is disabling in many and varied ways. But it is also a meaningful and positive component of a person’s identity, and it defines the ways in which an individual experiences and understands the world around him or her.
In those early years, the only thing that helped me was to try to be proactive. Love was not going to be enough – I think that true acceptance as a parent requires both love and action. This took the form of two multi-disciplinary early intervention programs, grounded in the principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis - “ABA” therapy. And they have made incredible gains. More than a decade on from the initial “sting” of diagnosis, I have shifted my perspective and come to a place of happiness and contentment. I appreciate the true gift of raising children with autism. And I absolutely place no limitations as to what they can continue to achieve.
These boys have given me the gift of experiencing true freedom by letting go of expectations and completely accepting what is real. They have given me the gift of choice- choosing to love this life, and to embrace every moment of it. The gift of simplicity, for two boys with so much complexity, they have a purity of spirit, and may never experience things such as vanity, jealousy, judgement and hidden agendas. People with autism have uniquely positive traits that are so rare – even non-existent – among neuro-typical individuals.
Without Max and Oscar, I truly believe my path has been altered in ways so much more profound than I may have ever found on my own. They have released me from a lifetime of “should” – and offered me a new world of “is”.
I am proud of the program Lee and I have designed to improve motor skills, self-awareness, social skills, emotional regulation and self-confidence. We welcome all expressions along the autism continuum to our program. We extend a special welcome to young people with behaviours that may be considered extreme. We are committed to making a difference to your child’s life.