Small Steps Count
by Jeanetta Bryant, Abilities Workshop
“Where do I start?” That was the
question I was thinking the day of my
daughter’s diagnosis of Autism and a
host of accompanying acronyms. It is
often the question I hear the most when
talking with families that have recently
had a child diagnosed. My response is
always “breathe” and “it is going to be
ok”. We are 6 years in on this journey and
are blessed to have experienced slow but
tremendous gains from severe symptoms
of Autism to nearing “Neurotypical”.
That does not mean we are “in the clear”
or that we are not in the midst of battles
now. We still have some stubborn symptoms
and we have a great deal of “catch
up” to play both academically and socially.
I assure you we are still arm in arm with
you trying to stay current on new therapies,
new treatments and constantly challenging
ourselves not to be complacent.
After you “breathe”, you do have
work to do. First is to get your diagnosis,
depending on your child’s age this can
be done by Early Steps or your doctor
network. Do not fear a diagnosis, it will
open doors for your child to get the help
they need financially, physically and educationally.
Ultimately, it is always better to
know the battle you are fighting than to
constantly be frustrated by “bad days”.
Beyond that, start asking other parents
what they do, talk candidly with your
ABA, Speech, Physical or other Therapists.
While doctors are vital in most
medical scenarios, you will be amazed
at how knowledgeable a special needs
parent is. They are in tune with the daily
lifestyle and can give incredible tips and
pointers. These other parents will also be
part of a community of support you will
want as time goes on. So, don’t be shy, or
timid about talking to others it will most
certainly be a lifeline.
Then you want to assess the options, if
you have 25 ideas or concepts, start with
your top 2, try them, then either replace
them or add to the processes you are
creating. It is overwhelming to do it all at
once, moreover if you did try to do it all,
you wouldn’t know what was working and
what isn’t. Take things slow and steady.
Try to be diligent in keeping notes on
what improvements or set backs you see,
trust me it is tough to remember without
notes.
Believe in yourself, in your child and
focus on the small steps. When you look
back you will realize none of the “small
steps” were small and every gain should be
celebrated. Most of all know that you are
not alone. Visit abilitiesworkshop.com
Orlando Early Childhood — Summer/Fall 2020 9
/abilitiesworkshop.com