Lots I can identify with here: I too have a superbright daughter (traits of ASD only though) who is a scholarship student and the last two years has travelling extensively in U.S. and South America for her studies. (U.K. based). She flew high, as is your daughter doing. So proud. xx
I burst into tears when I read this line: "Taiwan isn’t the first foreign territory she’s entered." Then I bought the Temple Grandin book you recommended.
I am struggling so much with all this right now. As a single mother - and all the over-compensation/guilt as well as intense closeness that comes with that - I often don't know how/when to push my AuADHD teen. I took a step in the right direction recently when I accepted a job that has me out of the house 4 days a week, but still, my inclinations remain to do everything in my power to make life easier for my child. Like your daughter, he is incredibly intelligent and highly motivated. When I have stepped outside my comfort zone and pushed him outside of his, we've had about a 50/50 success rate. (Last year's 3-week pre-college program: unmitigated disaster; this year's AP exam preparation: resounding success). I look forward to reading the book, as I have so much respect for Dr. Grandin and her pioneering work.
I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Grandin and her co author Debra Moore when this book was released, and it was so impactful for me! Hang in there, mama, and remember the goal isn’t to make things easy - because when is life ever easy?! We have to equip them.
50/50 is a great stat for you and your son! You win some, and you lose some, but 50% success is progress! 👏👏 I couldn’t agree more that working out of the home is beneficial because you’re not available for him to “outsource” to you. We laugh in my family because sometimes all it takes is “Mom!!!!” for them to figure it out before I even respond. I used to get panicked voicemails from my daughter in her first years of college when I was in session with clients. When I called her back she’d have to stop and remember why she had called because she had figured it out and moved on. 😁
I know it’s hard - it still is for me, too some days - but it sounds like you and your son are both doing the hard parts and I promise you it will pay off! 💛
Oh yes, I know those panicked texts only to learn (sometimes within less than a minute) that it was “actually no big deal after all.” 🤦♀️ That is SO cool about your interview - I really look forward to reading and processing the book. Thank you for your inspiring essay!
I was really moved by your post (?)
Incredible achievements by both of you.
Lots I can identify with here: I too have a superbright daughter (traits of ASD only though) who is a scholarship student and the last two years has travelling extensively in U.S. and South America for her studies. (U.K. based). She flew high, as is your daughter doing. So proud. xx
Thank you for sharing this, Linda, and I'm glad my post resonated with you. We both have good reason to be proud of our amazing daughters! xx
Hello Jodi, how do I get a copy of the misunderstood mind
The book will be available for pre-order on Amazon in July. I'll be announcing it here soon! Thanks for reaching out. :)
I burst into tears when I read this line: "Taiwan isn’t the first foreign territory she’s entered." Then I bought the Temple Grandin book you recommended.
I am struggling so much with all this right now. As a single mother - and all the over-compensation/guilt as well as intense closeness that comes with that - I often don't know how/when to push my AuADHD teen. I took a step in the right direction recently when I accepted a job that has me out of the house 4 days a week, but still, my inclinations remain to do everything in my power to make life easier for my child. Like your daughter, he is incredibly intelligent and highly motivated. When I have stepped outside my comfort zone and pushed him outside of his, we've had about a 50/50 success rate. (Last year's 3-week pre-college program: unmitigated disaster; this year's AP exam preparation: resounding success). I look forward to reading the book, as I have so much respect for Dr. Grandin and her pioneering work.
I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Grandin and her co author Debra Moore when this book was released, and it was so impactful for me! Hang in there, mama, and remember the goal isn’t to make things easy - because when is life ever easy?! We have to equip them.
50/50 is a great stat for you and your son! You win some, and you lose some, but 50% success is progress! 👏👏 I couldn’t agree more that working out of the home is beneficial because you’re not available for him to “outsource” to you. We laugh in my family because sometimes all it takes is “Mom!!!!” for them to figure it out before I even respond. I used to get panicked voicemails from my daughter in her first years of college when I was in session with clients. When I called her back she’d have to stop and remember why she had called because she had figured it out and moved on. 😁
I know it’s hard - it still is for me, too some days - but it sounds like you and your son are both doing the hard parts and I promise you it will pay off! 💛
Oh yes, I know those panicked texts only to learn (sometimes within less than a minute) that it was “actually no big deal after all.” 🤦♀️ That is SO cool about your interview - I really look forward to reading and processing the book. Thank you for your inspiring essay!