Today we conclude our three-part interview series with Danyelle Ferguson, author of (dis)Abilities and the Gospel, a fantastic resource book for parents and teachers of children with a variety of cognitive disabilities.
Danyelle, we’ve spoken about your son’s initial diagnosis of autism, and we’ve also talked about resources that helped you understand the condition and learn how to find the most joy in your mothering. What would you like to tell mothers who have recently learned that their child had autism or another form of cognitive disability?
Every mother needs to know that she is her child’s best advocate. Attend disability workshops, conferences, and parent support groups. Learn whatever you need to know about the stage your child is in right now. Don’t freak out or try to learn everything for his whole life at once. Take a year to just figure out right now – whether that’s early intervention and therapies or school IEP’s and transitions – figure out where you are today and research. Then look ahead to the next step. If you’re in elementary school, you’ll have a transition to middle school or junior high coming up. Services and programs change drastically, so start attending classes and talking to other parents who have kids in that age range to find out what’s working for them, what challenges they’ve encountered, and what advice they have for you. Most importantly, write it all down and keep it in a file. You will definitely come back to it! If you keep up with where you child is now and what the next step is, you’ll be a good, informed advocate.
The very last thing I want to share is something a mother of a daughter with Down syndrome told me about six months after my son was diagnosed. It made a profound impact on how I regarded my son and his life. She said as parents of children with special needs, we lose our dreams for our kids. But what we need to do is figure out what we think they can do – then triple that dream. Why? Because our kids have so much more potential than what you can even imagine right now. And she was so right. My son is a completely different person than how I ever dreamed he would be. I’m so glad this mom shared that incredible insight with me.
That really is a beautiful truth to keep in mind. We never know what amazing things our children will accomplish, and no diagnosis should ever limit our hopes and dreams.
Danyelle, thank you for spending this time with us. We appreciate it so much!
Related Blogs:
Studies Reveal Financial Impact of Autism on Families
School Store Helps Kids Learn Important Skills
Signs That Your Child May Have Asperger’s Syndrome