The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 1st Issue | Page 38

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Interview
Share with us the diagnosis of your
child with special needs, how did
you find out?
Coming to the realization that Katey had autism
was a journey! During the time that she was a
toddler, we were also full-time, live-in caregivers

I owe so much of my personal growth to my
daughter. I love both of my daughter’s dearly!

Briefly explain to us about your
business/charity and why you
decided to it?

to my grandmother, Granga, who had dementia.

The idea of creating illustrative picture cue

Caring for my Granga took up so much of my

cards for the use of persons with Alzheimer’s and

time and focus, that I missed clues that I probably

dementia came about from my experiences while

should have seen. Katey was our first born, so

caring for my grandparents and understanding

we had no “guideline”, if you would, to measure

how Picture Exchange Communication System

developmental

(PECS) worked for my daughter.

milestones

against, anyways.

After Granga passed away and I had more time
with Katey, I did notice that her “Kateyisms”, and

I don’t know if many of you have been around

delays in speech needed to be addressed. We

or had loved one’s with dementia, but I can tell

brought it up to the pediatrician at her 2 year

you, the similarities with verbal processing, anxiety,

old appointment, but the pediatrician dismissed

frustrations, behaviors, and the strength in visual

it. At three years, the pediatrician listened, and

and non-verbal communication are amazing.

noted that she had autism. Katey attended early
intervention at the age of 3 and attends special
education and transitions into mainstream classes.
She’s now in the 3rd Grade and has blossomed
so well, and works so hard with her speech and
social cues. We know there is still a journey to be
had, but are so proud of her accomplishments.

What is the most rewarding thing
about being the mother of a special
needs child?
I don’t know if Katey will ever truly understand
how important she is, and what her life has done,
already to impact the world! I don’t say this, as if
she can’t understand, because I know she does, I
say this because mere words on paper, or spoken,

When verbal communication failed or became
difficult I saw the strength in visual communication.
Why? Because visual is easier for the brain to
process; it’s less confusing. In other words, it’s
important to “reduce the thinking to get the
message across”. This is particularly important
for communicating with people with dementia
as their brain is damaged and grossly impaired
as the disease progresses. I want the world to
understand that we need to NOT focus on what
is changed or lost, let’s work with what we have;
let’s work in their world.

What advice can you offer to other
mothers who are looking to start a
business or charity?

cannot convey the true admiration, love, respect

There are two points of advice that I value as a

and awe that I owe my daughter. She has taught

“mompreneur”.

me so much patience, kindness, trust, faith, and

1. Ask for help! Seriously! I cannot stress this

love, that I didn’t know one person could possess.

enough. You’d be surprised at how many people

38  The SpecialMoms magazine ~ Winter 2014