I remember telling Dr. Cowan when he gave us the diagnosis that it felt as if we’d been inducted into a club to which we did not want to belong. I’d have given my right arm not to be told she had a serious neuro-developmental disorder. That was 18 years ago when we talked about “cure” in the small circle of parents and providers living with and serving children with autism.
Seattle Children’s offered no services other than diagnostic evaluation and did not yet endorse ABA. There were only a handful of ABA providers in the state and insurance didn’t’ cover it so parents took out second mortgages, held fundraisers, went into debt to try and help their child. Our insurance didn’t even pay for the evaluation or speech therapy. I couldn’t find an organized parent support group and FEAT WA had only recently formed and was about to publish its first resource guide, a real gift at the time. A dedicated autism center was only a dream at Seattle Children’s as its Founding Fathers, Drs. Cowan, King, and Stobbe had yet to meet.
So much has changed since then. It didn’t take me long to realize how fortunate I was to have the support of my fellow parents and a growing number of providers wanting to serve our kids. Parents who were a few years ahead of me (you know who you are, you amazing trailblazers!) were taking steps to create some semblance of unity, collaboration, and coordination. Providers were scrambling to get credentialed, find office space, and open their doors to desperate families.
Today as I transition from Seattle Children’s Autism Center to a new role at the hospital, I have much to be thankful for.
Dear parents, I hope you always remember that you are never alone as there are so very many of us living similar, parallel lives, doing our best under difficult circumstances. Don’t suffer in silence. Tell someone if you are struggling and allow others to help. Yes, you are the quarterback of your child’s care but quarterbacks have a team and a coach or two.
Dear providers, I hope you always remember why we have the jobs that we do – the adversity of others. Autism is hard and unending. Working in this field is not easy and we are grateful that you have chosen to dedicate your career to helping make life a bit easier.
To the hundreds of families and providers I have had the privilege of working with over the years, thank you for all you have shared with and taught me. I am certain our paths will cross again so I will close with “till we meet again”.
Lynn, I was just thinking of you!! I wish you all the very best,and thank you so much!
Thank you Diane! You and yours are in my thoughts and heart.
Lynn
Best wishes, Lynn. I’ve followed this blog since my daughter Jana worked in the Autism Center and I so admire the hard work and candor and dedication you have shared on your journey with your daughter. My best to her, as well.
Kristie Wardell
Hi there Kristie, fellow proud mama. I just love that daughter of yours and thoroughly enjoyed our years together. Thank you for your kind words and for reading our blog!
Lynn
Thank YOU, Lynne! You have helped to pave this road for those of us who follow behind with grace, humor, and compassion. I would not be where I am without your support! May your journey continue…..we will miss your weekly blogs.
My dear Amy, you are an amazing mom, advocate, and educator whose poise and patience inspires me. You are leading the way for the many parents and providers who are wanting and needing to learn more about our kids. Thank you for sharing your professional and personal self with us. Keep well and in touch!
Lynn
Lynn,
Your words and voice have been a source of hope, support and inspiration for many years. Your stories, struggles and triumphs have helped me learn how to face my own with a new approach or even with just more grace. This blog has and continues to be a unique and powerful place of help for me and many others. I often read a small idea or suggestion that has a profound impact on how I approach my child and myself. Thankfully, there is a lot of information about autism now and many websites and blogs, but this one touched me as a parent. It helped me feel less isolated and encouraged me to go easy on myself. Thank you for helping to create this wonderful source of support and information. We at Children’s are incredibly blessed to have you on our team!
Ditto, Beth! I remember when we first met and I learned about the many educational materials you had developed and saw how skilled you are in communicating with parents and providers alike. The resources you’ve created are my Go To for my own family and others I know. I hope to see you more now that I’m at the hospital. Keep up the good work and take good care of yourself!
Lynn
Lynn,
You are a remarkable, compassionate, and loving clinician and parent. You have always been willing to help when I reached out to you so many times by phone to help one of my patients navigate a complex system which made no sense to them. You will be missed, yet I know you will continue to fight the good fight.
Much love!
Awww, Joe! Such kind words from someone I have such high regard for and consider to be one of my heroes! Your interest in and dedication to serving families living with ASD has been a gift and we owe you a world of gratitude. My new role is with a team developing offerings for providers/staff to strengthen their communication and connection with patients and families with the aim of improved satisfaction for all. Your retreat played a part in my decision to pursue this course. Thank you for being a part of my professional and personal growth. And yes, always and forever, I will fight the good fight, advocating for our families in spirit and actions. Holding you and yours close,
Lynn
My dear Lynn –
About ten years ago, one evening I decided to overcome my state of constant fatigue and stress enough to get myself out to a new support group for parents of kids with autism. That was the beginning of a whole new phase of life for me. There you were, active and energetic and working to make our lives as parents better. It seemed like my entire focus before that was about making life “better,” more manageable, for my child with autism. From the beginning, you taught me to think about my own needs as well – and coming from you this was acceptable, because you KNEW this life.
Also, you, like me, had a girl, one just a couple of years older. A rarity in my experience until then. I latched myself onto you as guide, mentor, and ultimately friend. What you have shared with me and taught me has been invaluable for me and my entire family.
I’ll miss your voice in this blog – and also am grateful to keep having opportunities to partner with you in other ways at work and in life. Congratulations on your new path. I know you’ll be bringing that voice of self-care into many more places where it needs to be heard.