N-Zilla's Mom is giving advice.

If I could give any constructive advice to parents and families going through any diagnoses process. Anything to do with SPD. ASD. AS.  Or Just having kids.  Here they are.

1.  The first and most important is YOU ARE YOUR CHILD'S ADVOCATE.  Never forget that.

2.  Relatives might be rude.  Strangers will be rude.  Try your best not to let it get you down.  Number 2 will tie in with number 3.....wait for it.

3.  Start a blog! You won't believe how much you release.  Then you reread and reflect.  Plus there is a huge community out there via blogging/twitter/facebook.  Where you thought you were alone...you find out that your not and who knows maybe your words are there for someone else.

4.  Trust your gut.  It's hard when you hear "what if's"coming from every direction.  Remember YOU ARE YOUR CHILD'S ADVOCATE and YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD BEST.

5. Ask for help.  Their are so many programs.  N-Zilla was in speech therapy through ECI (Early Childhood Intervention, through Brighten in San Antonio).  Now he is in pre-k through the school district.  Any Baby Can is a awesome resource

6.  Ask for help. Again.  Find a special someone who knows and gets your little "N-Zilla".  Have them watch him/her for a bit.  Take a nap.  Drink some wine.  What ever.  Just get the help and unwind.  Your N-Zilla will thank you later.

7.  Have a sensory diet ready.  N-Zilla's consist of three hat that must be worn at the same time, a diesel 10 train, a body sock, pictures of familiar routines, and tight hugs.   Find out what your kiddo likes and have it ready.

8.  Read the signs.  We can tell when N-Zilla has had enough of company.  So he has learned to excuse himself and go to a quite place.  Usually it is his room with his trains or going on google images to look at Diesel 10.  Don't call attention to it.   At restaurants we go for walks to avoid meltdowns.  We also avoid triggers.  Like my beloved Red Robbins.

9. Don't let anyone down play or push a diagnoses.  Remember 1. and 4.

10. Continue to Love you child.  You'll get through it.  Some days will hurt more then others.  Some days you want to get ear muffs and drink heavily. Some days are great.  But isn't that how it is for most parents?    (Please tell me I am not the only one.)


Those are Tips From N-Zilla's Mom.