AMAB
FALL 2018 ISSUE #5
AUTISM MOMS ARE BEAUTIFUL
My Mind Needs Rest Confessions of an Autism Mom
Dr. Tracey Benson
Ambitious, Ravishing & Exquisite
6
THINGS TO DO UNDER $10 Plus, a closer look at Zalyn's Boulevard Go-To Styling Tips.
AMAB AUTISM MOMS ARE BEAUTIFUL
Editor-in-Chief Chief Advisor Associate Advisor Creative Director Managing Editor Style Editor Associate Editor Assistant Editor Editorial Assistant
Nichole Wilson Steve Levine Haley Ahart Keiffer Nichole Wilson Ashlee Viesca Nichole Wilson Sindu Alakot Janley Coan Jean TenBrink
Cover Model: Dr. Tracey Benson Makeup Artist: Camilia Wilson Hairstylist: Touched By Dutchess Photographer: Point and Click Photography
editor's note
Autism Moms Are Beautiful is a magazine that reminds Autism Moms that they are beautiful, important, and matter. Our goal is to inspire each of our readers. Sharing stories of Autism Moms can also enlighten others who are not raising children on the spectrum and are unaware of the challenges that come with raising our autistic children. We appreciate the love and support from Autism Moms and the community. The theme of this issue is Beauty and Attractiveness. Beauty shows Autism Moms’ loveliness. We are beautiful inside and out, despite our daily stresses. We are attractive in so many ways, especially for the love and passion we have for our babies on the spectrum. We must continue to stay strong for our little ones. By doing this, we let everyone know that Autism Moms Are Beautiful, and we rock the universe!
Nichole Wilson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Makeup Artist: Camilia Wilson Hairstylist: Touched By Dutchess Clothing: Chloe Dao Photographer: Point and Click Photography
AMAB Magazine Autism Moms Are Beautiful www.amabeautiful.org P.O. Box 841428 Pearland, Texas 77584
contents
Ana
06
JENNIFER ZAPATA Autism Mom
09
THE DECAF SEGMENT Autism Moms Let It Out
11
DR. TRACEY BENSON Autism Mom/Cover Model
13
MY MIND NEEDS REST Confessions of an Autism Mom
Haley
18 ZALYN'S BOULEVARD Go-To-Styling Tips
23
Marilyn
JOSE HERNANDEZ Autism Dads Rock
Giset
27 6 THINGS TO DO UNDER $10
Photos by: Michelle Media
Remax Pearland Yvonne Walker 832-385-2264 Callyvonnewalker@gmail.com
early childhood intervention until he went to school at age three. Soon after the diagnosis and additional examinations, he was diagnosed with both behavioral and auditory sensory afflictions which requires him to wear noise-canceling earmuffs until he can adapt and overcome his sensory issues. JT: Before you had your child with Autism did you feel you had more freedom? JZ: I have an older son. Sometimes, I feel that when you choose to have a child, you also choose to have less “me time”. Our older son dealt with many issues early in his childhood. It, of course, is not comparable to our current situation. However, in a way, we did have more freedom. Child care and babysitters were more easily available. For our child with autism, it’s a real challenge and a gamble to find childcare that can adapt to his specific needs. So, therefore we subject to the “staycation” whenever we do find ourselves with any free time.
Interviewed by: Jean TenBrink Makeup Artist: Camilia Wilson Photographer: Point and Click photography
Jennifer Zapata Jennifer Zapata is an autism mom who rocks. I enjoy her post and interacting with her on social media. She believes in advocating for her son. Sharing her journey will bring joy to other Autism Moms. Jean TenBrink: What is it like being an Autism Mom? Jennifer Zapata: I have become my son's Advocate on top of being his mother and won’t stop for him. You have to become a strong person to handle the daily setbacks of your child and over time it will make you a stronger person mentally. JT: Tell me a little bit about your child's diagnosis? JZ: He was diagnosed at age 2 with the help of his neurologist. My son was diagnosed with autism with additional scar tissue that was discovered on his right frontal lobe by a requested MRI from his Neurologist. The scar tissue created an additional hurdle to overcome in the form of cerebral palsy. With the diagnosis and findings from his neurologist, he was approved for home
JT: Tell me some of the funny things your Autistic son does that keeps you going and encouraged? JZ: My son is my daily sunshine and he brings a smile to my face every single minute. He has a lot of funny moments that he creates on his own that make me laugh. One of the many things that he does that makes me laugh, is his ability to take a certain normal activity and add his own spin to it. For example, he loves his iPad and sometimes when he is watching a video he decides to make it interesting. His usual twist is he will lay his iPad on the couch then he will stand over it and then put himself in the downward dog yoga pose on the couch cushions and stay like that for a good while. At first, I thought, when did he learn yoga?! JT: When you have both of your boys, what is it like going out to restaurants or other locations? JZ: I do not like going to restaurants with his auditory sensory issues and our typical luck with dining near crying babies, which is his kryptonite of sounds. If we go to the zoo, park or museums, he will usually wear his ear muffs and we have the freedom to walk around to a quieter area if were infiltrated with sounds that bother him. We are better off not being confined in restaurants and prefer open spaces with the freedom of movement. JT: Are you able to have quality time with your son who is not on the spectrum? JZ: Yes, I always make sure I spend one on one time with my older son when the time is available. The time is very limited, but we make it count. JT: What do you do for fun? JZ: I like to take myself to the movies and relax. I also work out and enjoy listening to my favorite music. 6
You need to stay positive and know that your child will grow mentally each year. Not all autistic children progress at the same pace but know that things will eventually fall into place. JT: If you can visit anywhere in the world where would it be? JZ: I would like to travel more to New Jersey to spend more time with my father (my mother passed away 3 years ago) and my siblings. I reside in Texas, so traveling with both boys to faraway places is really not an option at this point. Hopefully one day we can all travel together. JT: If you can say something encouraging and positive to other moms what would it be? JZ: You need to stay positive and know that your child will grow mentally each year. Not all autistic children progress at the same pace but know that things will eventually fall into place. Your child will feed off your frustration and emotions, so it is beneficial for everyone if you can keep it together and be patient. You cannot give up on your child or yourself. You really need each other to survive the good and bad days. Life is not easy, fair or perfect. You just have to make the best of it day by day. That’s all you can do and sometimes that’s just enough.
Makeup Artist: Camilia Wilson Photographer: Point and Click photography
5
Mission/Misión Is to provide high quality, low-cost equipment, programs, products, and services that will enhance the lives of people with disabilities, hearing loss and communication challenges. Es proveer equipos, programas,y equipos de alta calidad a bajo costo que mejorarán las vidas de las personas con discapacidades, pérdida de audición y desafios de comunicación.
“Let’s Make Hearing Loss a Conversation” “Conversemos de la Pérdida Auditiva” Assistive Technology Unlimited is a Houston-based company established to promote effective communication with adults and children with disabilities. Many of these services are provided through the STAP (Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program). STAP is a Statefunded Program which provides telecommunications equipment to individuals who have difficulty accessing the telephone. There are two (2) Requirements for STAP applicants/Hay SOLO DOS REQUISITOS PARA EL PROGRAMA: 1. Applicant MUST be a TEXAS resident. 2. Have a condition /disability that limits your ability to use the telephone. Example: difficulty hearing, seeing, speaking, mobility (moving), or remembering. • Ser un residente de Texas y • Tener una condición que limita su capacidad de usar el teléfono. • Ejemplo: dificultad auditiva, ver, hablar, movilidad (moverse) o recordar.
Assistive Technology Unlimited 13831 Northwest Freeway, Suite 211 Houston, Texas 77040 sales@assistivetechu.com assistivetechu.com 832-940-2020 Assistive Technology Unlimited. . .Transforming Lives, one device at a time. Assistive Technology Unlimited. . .Transformando Vidas!
The Decaf Segment Let It Out Autism Moms
“He’s not that bad.”! How many Autism Moms are tired of hearing this? This is how we really want to respond:
Different does not mean he is a bad child! Who said he was bad? I never said he was bad! Why do you think my child is broken? I never said something was wrong with my child, its just Autism. You don't have to make that face while my child is having a meltdown!
9
Me Time is vital for Autism Moms to recharge and reset to be the best you can be! You cannot take care of anyone if you do not take care of yourself first. A happy mom makes for happy kids. TB: No ma’am. I was not familiar with Autism. However, with research and the help of his doctor and therapists, I was able to educate myself about autism and learn how to find the best resources for my son.
Interviewed by: Nichole Wilson Makeup Artist: Camilia Wilson Hairstylist: Touched By Dutchess Photographer: Point and Click Photography
DR. TRACEY BENSON
When I attended a party a few years ago, I walked up to the table and saw this fabulous woman sitting and I just had to sit down to get to know her better. Dr. Tracey Benson truly kept me laughing the entire night. Her spirit is so uplifting and she is one of the most encouraging ladies I know. I was so excited to also interview her for Autism Moms Are Beautiful YouTube Channel for the Decaf Segment. She is so awesome. Nichole Wilson: What does Autism mean to you? Dr. Tracey Benson: Patience and understanding are what autism means to me. My son has been one of my biggest teachers in life. His autism has opened my mind up to many different things. He has taught me to have more understanding, more patience, and to be more compassionate towards others. NW: When your son was diagnosed, were you familiar with Autism? 11
NW: What was your immediate reaction to finding out your son was Autistic? What first steps did you take? TB: At first, I was shocked. Once the shock wore off, I educated myself about autism. I took steps to protect, serve, and educate my son. I surrounded him with the best team that was humanly possible. NW: What is your biggest obstacle as an Autism Mom? TB: My biggest obstacle has been fighting the below average public school system for special needs kids. Finding a balance between work and home has also been a giant obstacle for me as well. NW: Are you in support of therapy? TB: Yes, I am in support of therapy. I have found that it helps immensely with the daily challenges we face as an autism family. My son is making strides of improvement thanks to his therapy. NW: How are you able to work so hard as a doctor and raise your autistic son? TB: My support team has made all the difference for us. My mom, my husband, nannies, and therapists have been an immense help. Prayer and patience give me the strength to raise my son as well. NW: Me Time is so important for Autism Moms. Can you please express why? TB: Me Time is vital for Autism Moms to recharge and reset to be the best you can be! You cannot take care of anyone if you do not take care of yourself first. A happy mom makes for happy kids.
"Patience and understanding are what autism means to me. My son has been one of my biggest teachers in life. His autism has opened my mind up to many different things. He has taught me to have more understanding, more patience, and to be more compassionate towards others."
Dr. Tracey Benson
Makeup Artist: Â Camilia Wilson Hairstylist: Â Touched By Dutchess Photographer: Point and Click Photography
My mind needs rest
Confessions of an Autism Mom
Author: Autism Mom (anonymous author) As an Autism Mom, I am more awake than I am asleep. The times that most moms relax, I am still up doing so much: ranging from feeding, bathing, or calming my baby on the spectrum. While doing this, I shed a few tears just because its part of my daily life. My mind needs a moment to relax. I so want to create. But in order for me to do that, I need my mind to be relaxed. When I finally get the chance to soak in the tub, I can feel my brain recharging. I start to fall into a deep sleep and then I am awakened by my other child on the spectrum who has just urinated on my bathroom floor. I pray that I am able to recharge my mind with no interruptions. This is not always possible, but I continue to remind myself of how I have no choice but to do it and keep on pushing for my babies. 13
Including Kids, INC. 18401 Timber Forest Drive Humble, TX 77346 Telephone 281-852-0501 Fax 281-852-0502 info@includingkids.org Business Hours – 8am to 4pm
Including Kids, INC. was founded 15 years ago with the mission of providing educational and therapeutic instruction using the principles of applied behavior analysis for children with autism and related developmental delays, endeavoring to facilitate their inclusion in the community. Today, Including Kids has served over 900 families from 13 counties in the Greater Houston area. We have created a quality full-time program that continues to change the lives of young adults and children with autism, offering them a chance to be included in the community.
www.amabeautiful.org
Fashion Show sponsored by: Nichole Wilson of AMAB Magazine Clothing by: Denese McNeil of Boho Glam Klozet
Autism Services and Behavior Therapy at The Shape of Behavior, we understand how much the little things matter. It is our mission to provide treatment based on empirically validated ABA principles and shape behavior by celebrating small, everyday successes. The Shape provides applied behavior analysis (ABA), behavioral services and autism therapy. Not only do we work to help improve the quality of life for the children and families we serve, but we also conduct research in order to support and advance the field of behavior analysis. The Shape of Behavior 12941 North Freeway Ste. 750 Houston, TX 77060 www.shapeofbehavior.com 832-358-2655
Zalyn's BoulevardÂ
"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together." Elizabeth Taylor
18
www.chloedao.com 6127 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77005 (713) 807-1565
www.clinique.com
"Imagine a better version of yourself living in a better version of the future." CLINIQUE #StartBetter
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month "Cancer is a word, not a sentence." John Diamond "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." Louisa May Alcott "My cancer scare changed my life. I’m grateful for every new, healthy day I have. It has helped me prioritize my life." Olivia Newton-John "It's about focusing on the fight and not the fright." Robin Roberts
AMAB Treasurer JANET COAN
AUTISM MOMS ROCK VIDEO SHOOT
23
I, personally, was confused, worried, and frustrated at first. I did not know how to help my son and not knowing what the future would be like for him worries me.
Interviewed by: Ashlee Viesca
JOSE HERNANDEZ Autism Dads Rock Strength. Compassion. Patience. These are a few of the virtues Autism Dads everywhere utilize to support their autistic children. When I heard Jose Hernandez’s story, I was so enthused to interview him. During the interview, it was immediately evident that he possessed the virtues of an Autism Dad and more. A dedicated father to his children, Jose works hard alongside his incredible wife to support his son on the autism spectrum. Ashlee Viesca: How does it feel to be a dad? How many kids do you have? Jose Hernandez: Coming from a family of having eight siblings, including myself, I am proud and fortunate to be the father of six children. My oldest is twenty-one and our youngest is two. I also have been blessed with my first grandson. All of my children bring so much joy to my life. They are all unique in their own way and I love them all equally. AV: When your child was diagnosed with Autism, how did you feel? JH: At first, I had no idea what Autism was but after researching and getting the information we slowly understood what Autism was and are still learning as we go. I was worried for my son, but at the same time, I was thankful for our blessing that God gave us. 23
AV: When your children are doing activities which includes your child on the spectrum, how do you handle this? JH: Our son is calm during outings. We have never closed him in or left him at home. We have to go as a team on outings to help each other, especially now that we have a toddler. We have learned his facial expressions and know when he is getting too much sensory stimulation. He always wears his noise cancellation headphones on outings. AV: At what age was your child diagnosed? JH: Our son was diagnosed with Autism Developmental Delay shortly before his fifth birthday. AV: Having a child with Autism, can you express your attitude right at the time of diagnoses as compared to present day? JH: I, personally, was confused, worried, and frustrated at first. I did not know how to help my son and not knowing what the future would be like for him worries me. It saddened me to think he wasn't going to be able to play sports or even develop friendships. Now, I think and feel it's just the opposite. We are more educated about Autism, and we can help our son more and understand him more in the things he does. He is in sports and has developed so many friendships along the way. We are so proud of his accomplishments. He has taught us so much about life and even how to enjoy the smallest things. AV: If you could change anything in regards to support systems for individuals with Autism, what would it be? JH: I, personally, wouldn't know what to change because my wife does it all for our son. I do always hear stories on how she wishes the schools would help the children more and do what needs to be done for each child.
AV: What advice can you give Autism Dads? JH: First, I would advise them to love their autistic children unconditionally and to take great care of them. It's not easy being a dad with a child who has Autism. It's tiring, stressful, and takes a lot of time and dedication to raise a child who is Autistic. I feel that the right help from family and friends, showering them with unconditional love, and with Gods grace all things are possible. If you reflect on it, you’ll see that they are God’s love.
He is in sports and has developed so many friendships along the way. We are so proud of his accomplishments.
Add a little bit of body text
Left to Right: Belinda Hernandez, Sergio Hernandez, Jose Hernandez
I Love Thanksgiving I love the smell of cinnamon. I adore turkey & gravy. I yearn for pumpkin pie. I am fond of macaroni and cheese. I find great delight in cooking for my family.
I must have collard greens and cranberry sauce with my dressing. I have a crush on potato salad. I respect yams and I have a great connection with sweet potatoes.
I am devoted to eating great, bonding with my family and loving myself.
ANONYMOUS AUTISM MOM
NOMADIC
|
24
Autism  Friendly Christmas Reminders: Large crowds may cause sensory overload Do not force hugging with others & family Perfect family pictures may not happen Decorations may be overwhelming Make gift opening time throughout the day
6
Things To Do Under
$10 BY: JANLEY
COAN
Cinema Theatres (selective days & times) Happy Hour $1 a minute massages Rollerskating Miniature Golf Museums on free days (Zoo, The Children’s Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, please google to find info for free days).
27
