When I learned my child was autistic, I was afraid.
I was a first time parent and was already worried I’m screwing up.
This news sent me over the edge.
I couldn’t even explain what autism meant. I felt scared and helpless.
Autism always seemed like something bad. That’s how it was presented to me. Words like “suspicious”, “symptoms”, and “red flags” were used to describe my child.
I didn’t realize the impact until years later. That’s when I wrote this book for you. I don’t want any person to feel the way I felt.
In hindsight I can see it was not autism that was the problem: it was how much I didn’t know.
It was how poorly autism was explained to me. Autism was always presented like some lurking, scary monster. It took personalities away. It could come without you ever knowing about it. It was something to be avoided at all costs.
My child was happy and thriving. He’s hilarious. ‘There’s no way it’s autism,” I used to think. But he was different from other kids his age. And his 17-month younger sister.
It had nothing to do with my parenting.
It seemed like no matter what I did, certain things were just different.
He responded unlike other kids.
His language was unlike other kids.
His movement was unlike other kids.
No matter what I did he would always run back and forth. He would flap his hands. He would squish himself beneath the cushions of the couch. Food was often difficult for him and not in a “picky toddler” way. It was like it hurt when he tried certain food.
I was concerned and confused. Even though it was different, my child was amazing just the way he was.
When I finally learned about stimming, all of his behaviors began to make sense. Stimming was a way he was soothing himself and releasing pent up energy.
I realized what his autism means for my family.
I was no longer afraid!
I also realized I stim quite a bit. Most of us do!
Stimming is a sign that a person is managing things like: noises, lights, food, changes in routines, learning exciting bits of information, having a big feeling, etc. A person stims with their body. Stimming might look like: rocking, hand flapping, repeating a word, galloping, pacing, etc. Most people stim.
When we discover a stim’s purpose, we help people thrive.
That’s what happened for us and it can happen for you too.
Sometimes you need to be a detective to understand a stim’s meaning.
That’s why the book I wrote is called The Case of Sensational Stims.
The characters Joey and Elise teach what stimming is. This book will help you understand what stims are and why they’re important.
My child is amazing just the way he is. His autism is an important part of who he is. We don’t need to fear autism. We don’t need to overcome it.
We embrace who he is entirely. Including his autistic mind.
Understanding stimming allowed us to do that.
You’re here because you want to support your autistic loved one. Maybe you don’t know where to start. This book is for you.
This book:
- Explains autism in a children’s story
- Models how to support disabled people
- Includes a glossary of important terms
- Will help you support the autistic person in your life
- Is a great place to start learning
Even if you don’t get the book, please do not be afraid of what autism means for your family. Honor your loved one’s sensory needs, and watch them thrive!
Thank you for being here! Follow this blog or my Instagram @sensationalstims to get free support for your autistic love one!
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