Inspirational Women with Autism

Lexi is only four years old.  She is still too young for us to have any real idea how much autism will affect her when she becomes an adult.  But, to me the way autism affects her isn’t what really matters.  What is important is that Lexi can shoot for the stars and reach for her dreams.

I am so grateful for all the amazing women with autism who inspire me.  I watch each YouTube, or read each article, thinking “they are reaching their dreams, Lexi can too!”  I want to take a minute and share the women with autism who have been the most inspirational for me, and hopefully one day they will inspire Lexi too.

Finding Autism Island

Imagine drifting in a boat, lost at sea.  You have absolutely no idea where you are and the sea is not kind.  There are constant storms and waves.  All the time there is fear.  Where am I?  How did I get here?  How can I find land?  Frequently you think of crazy desperate ideas that might "save you."  But each time you are disappointed as you find you are paddling in circles.  You are powerless.  All you can do is sit in your boat feeling hopeless, frustrated, alone, confused, and like a failure.

This is how I felt before Skylynn was diagnosed with autism.  I had no idea what was going on, how to help her, and why she was the way she was.  I made desperate attempts time and time again to help her be “normal”.  Maybe this play idea or that strategy might help Skylynn catch up to her peers.  They never worked and I never knew why.  I figured I must be a failure of a mom.  Some days I would give up all together and sit Skylynn in front of Sesame Street and not try at all.  I was so lost, confused and depressed.