Nov 16, 2020
Today’s episode presents an absolutely beautiful conversation with an incredibly inspiring woman. A holistic nutritionist for almost 20 years, Susan Baker is also the mother to two beautiful children and the author of the ‘Life, Love and Autism’ blog on Facebook, where she documents her family’s journey of growth while raising a child diagnosed with autism. The blog shares the raw and real experiences of her son, Andrew, and the rest of her family, but it goes far beyond the topic of autism, delving deeply into the power of connection, understanding and compassion. Reading the blog frequently leaves Joy in tears, and today’s conversation may very well have the same impact on you as well.
Susan begins by sharing a bit of her background, some details about her blog, the story of Andrew’s autism diagnosis, and what it is like to be an ‘autism parent’. She also explains some of the tools which have helped Andrew express himself, particularly The Letter Board, and the impact they have had in allowing him to demonstrate his true potential. Together with Joy and Walker, Susan explores the notions of supporting as opposed to treating Andrew, the grieving and acceptance that she and her husband went through, the brain-body disconnect associated with autism, as well as Andrew’s learning, remarkable wisdom, and ability to connect with others. The myths and misconceptions of autism are discussed as is the benefit of loving unconditionally, letting go of expectations, the impact of the label of autism and trusting in the process of life. Susan draws this exceptional episode to a close with her advice for parents of children living with autism. As Susan writes, her blog “is *way* beyond 'autism' -- It is about the human connection, and what really matters. It is about the joys, the challenges, and the learning that comes from it all”, and that is precisely what she shares through her inspiring story here today.
Episode Highlights:
- Susan’s background and her blog
- The story of Andrew’s autism diagnosis
- Being an ‘autism parent’
- The tools that have helped Andrew
- The Letter Board and its impact
- Supporting as opposed to treating
- Grieving and acceptance
- The brain-body disconnect
- Andrew’s learning and wisdom
- His message for Joy
- Andrew’s ability to connect with others
- The myths and misconceptions surrounding autism
- Loving unconditionally
- Letting go of expectations
- The label of autism
- The biggest lessons that Susan has learned
- Trusting in the process of life
- Susan’s advice for families
Resources:
‘Life, Love, and Autism’ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lifeloveandautism/
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