EPISODE 4:
Heather Sutcliffe is a working mom of two sons, who both have an autism diagnosis. For more than 12 years, she has advocated fearlessly to ensure her sons receive robust and consistent programming to make progress and achieve. A strong believer in coming at this diagnosis from all angles, she never takes her foot off the gas and continually looks at ways to fine tune her sons’ interventions. To honor the progress ABA therapy has made possible for her family, she recently launched a non-profit organization to support ABA for autism. Her first campaign running through 4/2/19 is to raise $5,000 that will go toward covering tuition for Simmons University students studying ABA. In addition, to reduce the ramp up time for parents and families dealing with a recent diagnosis, Heather is in the process of creating a website and blog to share what she has learned on this journey so far. Heather is passionate about giving her sons the best possible chance to overcome the challenges they face while inspiring and empowering other families to do the same.
Heather is a mentor, coach and cheerleader for other parents facing an autism diagnosis. Her extensive professional work experience in the fields of marketing and communications, is supplemented by her volunteer experience. She currently volunteers as a Support Parent with Family Ties of Massachusetts and was recently selected by Autism Speaks to be a Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassador. She is also a Board Member of a pediatric wellness center in Massachusetts.
PODCAST SUMMARY
The Importance and Power of ABA:
“ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy has been absolutely vital to help our sons make progress after an autism diagnosis. 12 years in, it is still teaching me how to manage situations AND helping our sons make achievements. As it pertains to autism, simply put: ABA therapy helps our sons exhibit more expected behavior and less unexpected behavior. It truly has the power to make any situation more successful, transcending any level of ability. For me, this diagnosis has always been about one thing: Achievement. As the world moves from awareness to acceptance, we parents have always been focused on achievement. Because everyone has the chance to progress from the point they are currently to something more. ABA Therapy, a science rooted in data, makes achievement possible.”
You Get Out What You Put In:
“You are the HUB and the GLUE of communication (doctors, specialists, schools, insurance, therapists, home assistance) and you connect the dots for everyone and keep reminding of the objective (for your child to live safely and independently in this world). This takes work and constant engagement. Thank goodness for iphones. :-) But I believe in what I call a "complete puzzle": Parents will ensure all the pieces to the plan are in place and that we are attacking this. The plan needs to be fluid, but it is possible to go to bed at night and know you are doing everything you can.”
The importance of a network:
And, finding what keeps you going:
Pixar's Bobby Rubio Shares His Autism Dad Story in "Float"
Financial Planning for Your Special Needs Child
Socialization of Children with Autism
Atypical and Proud of It
An Autism Dad's Field Guide
From Real Housewives to Autism Advocate, guest Jacqueline Laurita Does it All
The Autism Cafe: A Place of Love and Self-Discovery
Autism Adventures (with Big E)
FUBAR: Autism Parenting
A Confession to My Autism Tribe
Sharing an Autism Diagnosis
Autism, Art & Honesty
Autism Parenting...and a Side of Fries
A Family's Autism Journey
When I Feel Defeated
An Autism Mom's Dedication to Nutrition
Autism-Friendly Businesses
The Importance of Self Care for Autism Parents
My Child Has Autism: Do Not Bully Him
An Amazing Journey with God...and Autism
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