We talk About Autism.

In February of 2022, I had a broken back, was recovering from liver damage from a lupus attack, and had a liver biopsy to rule out bad stuff. I was in better personal health then compared to now.

My resting heart rate is 20 points higher than the same time last year despite maintaining the same activities, recovering from liver damage, healing my spine, and even losing a few pounds. That image is a graph from my Fitbit. I refuse that path for myself and my family for 2023.

Families and caregivers take on a lot and caring for ourselves is important. If we aren’t in good health and mental state, how can we give our best to our kids? to ourselves?

2022 was the first year of the rest of our lives in a new perspective with new priorities. We turned inward and worked hard.

But now we need to take care of our complete family and each of our bodies now that we are on a good path.

2023 is the year of finding small joys, quality time, and being present.

I free-wrote a list of stressors of 2022 below, the year of big change. This path is not sustainable. I personally will not make it continuing on this route.

February 2022 Jeanne is officially diagnosed with Autism.

• lupus, thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, broken back
• Challenge current pediatrician who is not in agreement with Jeanne’s diagnosis and needs. Switch pediatrician.
• Change work schedule to accommodate therapy appointments and parent sessions each week, this means reduced income.
• Increase spending on gas, work out of a library, car, or coffee shop during Jeanne’s therapy sessions so as to make work hour requirements and save on gas money.
• Make endless calls to State of Wisconsin, County Services, and school district for future services. Pushed off or waitlisted.
• Worry about the lost years we could have had therapy and support for Jeanne before she was 5, and grieve.
• Axel and Maeve remain later at daycare on some days, Jeanne gets more time with mom and dad with schedule.
• Begin therapy for myself. Grieve. Switch gears, perspective.
• Take on learning a new parenting and lifestyle perspective.

May 2022 Maeve is also diagnosed with Autism.

• Coordinate Maeve and Jeanne therapy sessions.
• Turn down family summer vacation plans to not miss therapy sessions.
• Work from home entire summer with Jeanne to focus on building her skills and strategies without new triggering care scenarios.
• Axel remains later at daycare, Jeanne and Maeve get more time with mom and dad.
• Advocate with the school district for services and support for Jeanne entering kindergarten. Jeanne is denied, but matched with a wonderful teacher.
• Work demands increase with decrease in COVID-19 landscape.
• Grieve Jeanne’s sacrifices, thank Jeanne for paving the way.
• Grieve missing time with Axel.
• Grieve. Switch gears, perspective.
• Take charge in learning and sharing a new parenting and lifestyle perspective.

I cannot say enough about starting therapy, jamming to music in the kitchen, stress-relief cleaning, breathing in the stupid winter air, getting out of the house, sharing our story, starting this website, and aiming to have a better day tomorrow.

I’ll let you know how that goes.