“ It is the strength that I see in my son every day that has kept me going .”
A
is for Awareness - When and how did you first become aware that something was different ?
U is for Unique - How has this experience been Unique to you and your child ?
T is for Tools - What tools are there now that were not there at the beginning that could help other parents ?
I is for Inspire - As a parent , when you look at your child or children , what inspires you ?
AUTISM ADVOCACY
An Exclusive Look at AUTISM with Alana Mithcwell
By Derrick HAYES
Encouragement speaker Derrick Hayes gives an AUTISM interview by asking six questions through each letter in the word “ autism ” to give readers insightful perspectives from parents , experts , entrepreneurs , and other leaders in the field .
“ It is the strength that I see in my son every day that has kept me going .”
Today ’ s AUTISM Interview is with Alana Mithcwell , who is a 35- year-old medical esthetician and business owner , happily married to her college sweetheart and mother of two boys ( one of whom has autism ).
Ten years ago my husband and I started an e-commerce , skincarebyalana . com , retailing 300 + beauty brands . This experience combined with my passion for skincare , my drive and love for my family pushed me to start my amazing and innovative skincare line “ Alana Mitchell ” at www . alanamitchell . com .
A
is for Awareness - When and how did you first become aware that something was different ?
My son was about 15 months old . I know this is considered very early , but my mother ’ s intuition was telling me that my son should be making more of an emotional connection .
U is for Unique - How has this experience been Unique to you and your child ?
For me , I have learned the meaning of unconditional love . I have learned to fight and persevere for what I know is right for my son . We celebrate and cherish every accomplishment , big or small !
I never compare my child to another . When you compare and contrast , you will find yourself feeling prideful or depressed , neither of which is an ideal outcome .
My son was created for and has a unique purpose that only he and his unique mind can accomplish . This really struck me when he was four years old and we were driving in the car . He asked me what color the number seven was to me , to which I said I don ’ t see colors in numbers . He proceeded to tell me what numbers had color — five was blue , six was green , seven was red and orange . I have taught him that his brain and outlook on things is extremely important and needed in our society . I found this saying about autism a while ago : “ It takes a sprinkle of autism for advances in math , science , and the arts .” I don ’ t know who said it , but it ’ s a message we as parents need to keep in mind as we raise the next generation .
T is for Tools - What tools are there now that were not there at the beginning that could help other parents ?
ABA ( applied behavior analysis ) at home is very helpful ; when things can be smoother at home , everyone is happier .
I is for Inspire - As a parent , when you look at your child or children , what inspires you ?
Hope . I have so much hope !! I have seen it , and we have been a part of it . I love being able to look back
64 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72