I think we can all say we have heard the saying “it’s not about what you know but who you know.” Building your networks can be a life changing process both professionally & personally. I think this holds true more for us moms (of children with special needs), then all other professions combined.
The first Network that I built is a professional one of caring individuals (therapists, doctors, etc.) who will diagnosis & treat your child. Not just as a number but as the beautifully unique human being that they are. The second Network that I built was a personal one of supportive individuals (friends, family, and support groups) who will provide me an ear to listen & a shoulder to cry on. Most of the time all we really want to know is we are not alone when dealing with the extreme situations & issues that arise in dealing with our children from day to day. The third Network that I built is a Faith/Religious one of understanding individuals (priests, prayer groups) that has shown me by their example how to grow closer to our Lord during our darkest & most difficult times. These three Networks are what allow me to make it through the day and able to face another tomorrow optimistically. I think we must all remember that our Networks are only a phone call, email, text or click away. Make sure each of these Networks is working for you & your children!
My name is Elizabeth Contreras and I am a Stay at Home Mom with 3 blessings(8, 3 ½, +2) and an amazingly supportive husband! I have 2 SPD kiddos & 1 SPD/Autism kiddo. I am very active in my church & I am on the steering committee for the Catholic Women’s Conference here in San Antonio (www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org/cwc)
Adrienne Bashista is the co-editor of and contributor to the book, Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories. She writes about parenting a special needs son, advocacy for special needs parents, and FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, dogs, chickens, and bees.
