Ten years ago, as a new employee in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, I was asked by a colleague to present with her to a group of trainees.
She was to cover diagnostic evaluations and I was tasked with discussing the impact of autism on families. How on earth would I manage to accurately capture the daily challenges that often are not observed in brief clinic visits?
My hope was to help them to “get it” meaning to see just how difficult it was.Short of suggesting we hold the session in my home for a first-hand look, I decided to make a video I called, “A Day in the Life with Autism” 24 minutes representing 24 hours in our unconventional life. It was well-received and since then I have been asked to share it with many different providers and students at Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington.
So much has changed in the past decade that it felt time for an update. This time though, I wanted to capture the bigger picture of our life and the lessons learned not only for providers but for parents who walk this path too.
beautiful!! Thank you, Lynn!!
Thanks Diane!
Ah, Lynn, such a good portrait/reflection on your lives! I love seeing and hearing how you’ve both grown and changed. It’s a thoughtful beautiful video! Thanks taking the time to make it–and, for sharing it. Carry on you good and important work!
Thanks Lyn. As a fierce advocate for parents/caregivers, you played a significant role in helping me find my way. Grand Rounds was pivotal. I’ll always be thankful for that opportunity and for all you’ve done for families.
Oh Lynn, this is so beautiful! I miss her sweet face. Thank you for letting her train me, I am also a better clinician for having her in my life. I can’t believe how much progress she’s made.
Learning is a two-way street! You had such a meaningful role in her early life and you have been so good about keeping in touch as your life has taken its own turns. We’ve forever grateful dear Alison.
Thank you, Lynn, for all that you do, all that you share and for paving the road ahead for those of us following in your footsteps!
Thanks, dear Amy. That’s what we parents do – keep passing the baton to those who follow us. Thank you for all you do to help families in so many ways, particularly teaching professionals working with our kids to understand the many challenges and to provide meaningful help. Hats off to the LEND program!
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for sharing your family’s journey with us. Carrie is a beautiful young woman and you must be very proud of her. Our son is 4 years old and was diagnosed with autism a year ago. This video means so much to me, it gives me HOPE for Bernardo’s future. In his 4 years on this earth he graduated from the NICU, came off of oxygen after 18 months, able to laugh, beat pulmonary hypertension, learned how to eat, learned how to run, gives hugs and kisses-all the things we never knew could be possible. When you said the word “SURRENDER” it struck me right in the heart. I am learning how to surrender and starting to see what all my son can do, instead of what he cannot do. Thank you for giving this momma a glimpse into the world of possibilities!
Dear Mary,
Thanks you so much for the kind words and for sharing your story with us. What an incredible little boy Bernardo is! And he has a wonderful momma that I know has moved heaven and earth to get him what he needs to learn and grow. Life will continue to surprise you at how much he and you will change on your parallel paths. Hold on to that! And keep us posted. We’re rooting for you!
Lynn
Lynn-Unconditional love shown in a very genuine and powerful way. You lead by example and this is a wonderful testament to what so many of us are challenged with daily. It isn’t easy, but when we do it together, talking about the tough challenges and daily heartache—we are able to find new light, a purpose that we never intended, and cheerleaders that keep us going. Thank you for always sharing your heart with us, your sweet Carrie, and never letting any of us travel this road alone.
Dear Jenn, you captured our common humanity with such heartfelt eloquence. You are a natural cheerleader and your sense of humor always helps us keep things in perspective. You two have graciously taken on helping others to “get it” with your stories of daily life and where you find support and strength to keep going. Thanks for all you do!
Oh Lynn,
You are such an amazing mom and human being. I saw SO MUCH LOVE in this video. You are an inspiration and so is Carrie. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and thank you for everything you do within the autism community. I’ve learned so much from you.
Thanks for such kind words dear Brena. You are definitely a mom who knows a thing or two about fierce love for her child!
Absolutely beautiful Lynn! Thanks so much for sharing your family journey. You have an amazing family!
Thanks so much, Leah!
Lynn – absolutely loved watching the video. Great seeing the great strides of Carrie. We came across the t-shirts we wore during a walk we did in support of Carrie. Miss the family in the neighborhood.
Doug
PS wow…was that a recent picture of Justin?
Hi Doug!
So good to hear from you. Hope you and yours are doing well. Yes, that’s Justin. Our kids grow up fast, don’t they?
All my best to your family.
Lynn
What an inspiration you both are
Thanks so much, Kathryn!
Lynn,
I just saw this moving video.
When I new you in those crazy high school years I thought you had grit and determination.
Apparently I had no idea the extent of your capabilities.
The concept of surrender really rang true for me. Giving up your worries and stress really seemed to allow for a clear understanding of your role on this journey.I will try to practice this in my own life.
I am humbled by your intelligence and compassionate gifts. This is a beautiful story.
Please let Conrad know I think of him often.
Thanks
Tom
Oh my. Tom Dalia. So good to hear from you! Thank you for such kind words and taking the concept of surrender to heart. I wish you all the best!
Lynn