AMAB
Summer 2019 Issue #8 $2.99
Autism Moms Are Beautiful
Jennifer Pacht-Goodman Kiesha Gonzales-Carr
Autism Mom who Rocks
Music Therapy by Jammin Jenn
On the Cover
Autism Moms Are Beautiful P.O. Box 841428 Pearland, Texas 77584 www.amabeautiful.org info@amabeautiful.org AMAB Magazine Ad inquiries or questions: amabmagazine@gmail.com
L to R (bottom) - Janet Coan, Giset King, Candice Webb, Belinda Hernandez L to R - Ashlee Viesca, Nichole Wilson, Kiesha Gonzales-Carr, Jean TenBrink Photo by: Point and Click Photography
Board Members for Autism Moms Are Beautiful (501c3) Jean TenBrink (President), Ashlee Viesca (Secretary), Janet Coan (Treasurer)
2019 Committee Members Candice Webb, Belinda Hernandez, Giset King, Donna Shatara Porche, Alicia Daniels, Whaleana James, Jennifer Zapata, Kiesha Gonzales-Carr
Editor-in-Chief
Nichole Wilson
Chief Advisor
Steve Levine
Associate Advisor
Haley Ahart-Keiffer
Associate Advisor
Donna Shatara Porche
Creative Director
Nichole Wilson
Managing Editor
Sindu Alakot
Style Editor
Nichole Wilson
Autism Moms please join the Private Facebook Group: Autism Moms Are Beautiful with Nichole Wilson https://www.facebook.com/autismmomsarebeautiful
AMAB Magazine Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amabmagazine/
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EDITOR'S NOTE
The theme of this issue is Love and Expressions
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LETTERS OF LOVE
2019 Winter Issue
KIESHA GONZALESCARR
Autism Mom
who Rocks
09
POETRY FOR THE SOUL
Self Love is Beautiful
11
FLASHBACK LOVE
Haley Ahart-Keiffer Autism Mom who Rocks
13 14
CONFESSIONS
Anonymous Expressions from an Autism Mom
BEAUTIFUL QOUTES TO LIVE BY
Positive Quotes to brighten your day
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JENNIFER PACHTGOODMAN
Music Therapy by Jammin Jenn
Autism Moms Are Beautiful is a magazine providing encouragement, motivation, and empowerment. This particular issue serves as a reminder that Autism Moms are not alone. Our goal is to inspire all of our readers. We appreciate the love and support from Autism Moms and the community. The theme of this issue is Love and Expressions. Love is appreciative and unconditional. It is important for Autism Moms to share their expressions while guided by love. 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
Editor's Note
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5
"I loved the 2019 winter issue! The beauty tips are better than ever. Thanks for keeping me my sexy best!"
Donna's article Nicely said Donna. You're story is relatable for many autism moms including myself. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Dr. April J. Lisbon Fredericksburg, VA
LETTERS LETTERS
Write to us! Share your thoughts with us at amabmagazine@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. All submissions become the property of AMAB Magazine.
Confessions After reading, Confessions from an Autism Mom, there are dark moments where we want to give up. The moment you hit your needs and despair, that's when you have to remind yourself that the current situation is not your final destination. Thank you AMAB for sharing our stories.
Dina Alsaid, Autism with a Side of Coffee Richardson, Texas
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KIESHA GONZALES -CARR NW: When you first started this journey, what were your feelings verses your feelings now? KC: When I started this journey, I felt
empty and depressed.
I felt like a failure.
I found myself asking questions like, “Why me?
What did I do wrong?” Ohh! but
NOW, I feel like I am seasoned. can do this. Interviewed by: Nichole Wilson Makeup by: Camilia Wilson Photo by: Point and Click Photography
chosen.
Having an adult son on the
autism spectrum, she doesn’t hesitate at all to share important information.
She
created CJ Autism Foundation, with a beautiful hashtag, #autismsauce!
down and being inspired by this fabulous mom!
I had no family support.
I was
was sixteen.
Finally, I was dealing with a
chronic illness of my own, while still trying to raise my Autistic son. NW: If you could change anything on
Nichole Wilson: When did your life
this journey what would it be?
start as an Autism Mom? How many
KC: IF I could change anything, I would
kids do you have?
have moved to a better school district to
Kiesha Gonzales-Carr: CJ is my only
child and life for me as an Autism mom began in Cleveland, Texas on July 4, 2000. NW: Tell us Moms what it is like raising CJ?
receive better resources. I would have also brought him out into the community at an early age instead of being afraid of what others thought. NW: What advice would you give other
KC: Raising CJ is a blessing from God.
He showed me what true unconditional When he looks up at me with that It is nothing but
Autism Moms? KC: NEVER GIVE UP!
is different.
challenges just like everything in life.
I
was chosen to raise my Blessed Baby.
I
feel like he doesn't have Autism for
Everybody’s journey
Love on your baby and learn
as much as possible.
However, it comes with
He also has it for me.
KC: I faced many obstacles. I had limited
unable to find a support group until he
within the community. I enjoyed sitting
himself.
raising CJ?
younger.
awareness, advocacy, and love to kids
pure love.
NW: What obstacles have you faced
about Autism, especially when he was
organization dedicated to bringing
smile, it is priceless.
that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
resources. I had a lack of understanding
CJ
Autism Foundation is a nonprofit
love is.
Also, I feel like I can be an
example for other moms and show them
Kiesha Gonzales-Carr is an Autism Mom who Rocks!
I feel like I
I feel like I was specifically
support group.
Make sure you find a
Make sure you laugh often.
Also, remember we are never too old to learn new things.
I have
found my true strength and ability in his disability. 8
POETRY FOR THE SOUL I represent the uniqueness of the unknown My mind is a perfect stimulant Releasing feelings and thoughts My roots are violet, the color of creativity Growing reflective roses and balanced flowers My purple lips are covered with a gloss of passion I've become energic like lustful red I am now an enthusiastic stamina My world is now orange filled with playfulness and vitality The yellow sun smiles at me stimulating my membrane I am a beautiful queen who is trying to enhance Your creative energy through the wind Creativity is an attitude and a way of getting through life
BEAUTIFUL with me
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Her beauty is equivalent to a miracle She is divine intervention Her existence is like an extraordinary soul Her smile is three dimensions She is something like a phenomenon My daughter is marvelous She guides my peace She guides my new found peace I am now at peace
LOVE
SHE IS MY FOCUS
Thanks to my sweet tea
MY REFLECTION BLEW ME A KISS
SELF
Theatrical stories are running Marathons through my mind Stage presence has evolved The soil gave birth to scripts Scripts gave birth to light
Light gave birth to acting souls and
Acting souls brought my fantasies to life So many stories So much to tell Share your poetry with us at amabmagazine@gmail.com
SPRING 2018 COVER MODEL 2018 AMAB AWARD WINNER
"Autism to me means the journey will be different, but it will be beautiful! The diagnosis of Autism has so many different levels and not one autistic child can be categorized with another."
Haley Ahart Keiffer 11
WWW.MACYSMIRACLES.NET
Confessions of an Autism Mom Author: Autism Mom (anonymous)
As an Autism Mom, I deal with my child constantly getting upset when the iPad loses complete energy. Being a single mother receiving no help from my daughter's father is taking a financial toll on me. The two hour meltdowns each time gives me a tension headache. I cry for hours wondering how I can help her. When I request for assistance from the school district, they deny me. My bank account can't afford an advocate. The only thing I am able to do is pray.
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Share your thoughts with us at amabmagazine@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. All submissions become the property of AMAB Magazine.
Beautiful Quote's to Live By!
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Jennifer Pacht-Goodman Interviewed by: Nichole Wilson
Music is one of the best therapies for individuals on the autism spectrum. My little one loves to sing and dance. I was on Instagram searching for a music therapist and came across Jennifer Pacht- Goodman. To see how Jennifer was able to provide calmness along with beautiful sounds of harmony just blew me away. I was so eager to reach out to her and I was ectastic she agreed to do this interview. Nichole Wilson: Jenn, tell everyone about yourself? Jennifer Pacht-Goodman: My name is Jennifer PachtGoodman and I have been practicing Music Therapy for over 20 years. I received my degree from NYU many moons ago. I was an aspiring broadway actress for years before I found Music Therapy as a career. I had some great success and I am proud of that however, something was missing. The actress life in NYC was VERY competitive and I just knew I was meant to do something else with my life. NW: How did you become a music therapist? JG: After my 3rd callback for GREASE on Broadway I just felt so discouraged and decided to walk away from the theatre life. I never looked back. I enrolled at NYU and had an audition and was accepted and the rest is history. 15
NW: What inspired you to do this? JG: I knew I wanted to always have music in my life, singing mostly because that really was my talent, and when I heard about music therapy as a career I realized I could combine the two. NW: When working with special needs children as well as children on the autism spectrum, why do you think music is one of the best methods of therapy? JG: Music is non threatening. Everyone connects to music in one way or another. Music can alter moods, through the dynamics of rhythm, tone, and melody. Many children are drawn to music and I feel that the reason many children with autism are especially drawn to music is because often a nonverbal child can vocalize, or even hum a melody to a familiar song. I feel that if a nonverbal child is capable of doing those things, then using repetitive songs can help with expressive language. In my experience I have helped so many nonverbal children begin communicating through expressive speech. NW: You are so awesome! Have you ever thought about training others to become traveling music therapist? JG: Awe thanks so much! Yes I have music therapists that work for me. I train all of my therapists. I respect that they all have their own approach and own intuition as therapists. I respect that they all have their own approach and own intuition as therapists.
However, the Jammin Jenn energy and brand is just something created and anyone who is affiliated with my company knows what I expect. I expect authenticity, energy and commitment to the families and of course the client. NW: The children you have worked with, how long did it take you to see progress? JG: Each client of course is very different and must be treated that way. A great example of never giving up hope is that of a 6 year old little girl I am working with. She was totally nonverbal until a few months ago. Something clicked and she’s talking. It’s not a miracle, it is the therapy consistently and the music connection with her brain and body. NW: How amazed are the parents after seeing you work with their children? JG: Pretty amazed LOL if I am being honest. They love me and I love them. We cry together celebrating the smallest progress. I have such a special connection with all my families.
Their children are like my own and I treat them that way. NW: What techniques can moms and dads use at home when working with their children? JG: Using your parental intuition will help guide you in knowing when it’s time to push and when it’s time to back off. So many children love music and repetition is the key with singing songs. Learn the melodies that they hum, investigate the songs and if your child is scripting a tv show or movie figure out what that is and try and engage with your child in a meaningful way. Try to make the scripting meaningful by adding melodies. Keep loving your precious children. Truly you moms are the heroes and my inspiration to continue to do anything to help each and every child that walks through my door. NW: Jenn, thank you so much. I look forward to meeting you soon! JG: Thanks so much for thinking I was worthy of an interview. I feel very blessed to have success as a music therapist and to be helping people as I continue my success. It feels awesome, and I worked my ASS off to get here LOL! I hope to meet you one day too!
Zalyn's
Boulevard
Zalyn's
Boulevard
D L O S
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Autism Moms Rock music video Over 56,000 Facebook views!
