Autism Parenting Magazine Issue 72 (Member's Dashboard) | Page 64

 AUTISM ADVOCACY at a time when I thought things were hopeless, like when my son kept biting peers. I would think to my- self, I can’t wait for the day, and I will throw a party to celebrate when he stops biting his peers. That day has come. No more biting.  S  is for Support - Are there things you strug- gle with or have struggled with, and what types of support do you still need? I am too hard on myself, and I tend to blame myself for things. Thankfully my husband is always there to remind me I am the best mom and advocate for our son! The support of other parents with children on the spectrum, especially moms—it’s such good therapy to get together to share resources, laugh, and just vent when you are having a rough time.  M is for Manage - What keys to success can you leave with parents so that they can bet- ter manage their day-to-day efforts? First of all, give yourself a lot of credit; you are doing a good job! Oh, sometimes the day-to-day can be so hard and taxing. But then again, don’t compare your efforts or your child to others. Take things one day and one thing at a time. I look at our day-to-day ef- forts towards a long-term goal: when my son is 18 years old, he will be able to go off to college. So right now it’s okay that he is behind in a school subject because we are working towards a different goal. Also, you will be late for things. Just accept you can’t do it all and be on time. Many times I have had to say to myself, “Well, you can be late and have him in a good place, or you can be on time and show up as a complete disaster. Make your choice, Alana. Is it worth the stress to be on time? No.” Derrick Hayes is an author, motivational speaker, and paraprofessional with students with autism in the Muscogee County School District in Colum- bus, Georgia. For contact or booking information, please visit his website, email, or call him. Website: www.derrickhayes.com Email: [email protected] Call: (706) 615-1662 Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72 | 65