7 minute read
Exclusive with Nicole Wilson
Nichole Wilson
Autism spectrum disorder/ASD is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interactions and communication. ASD also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior.
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The term “spectrum” in ASD refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.
A study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that fifty percent of mothers with children living with autism had elevated depression scores, compared to 15 percent to 21 percent in the other groups.
Single mothers of children with disabilities were found to be more vulnerable to severe depression than mothers living with a partner.
Many contributing factors can lead to feelings of depression after you receive a diagnosis of ASD for your child. Parents often experience a sense of grief and have a hard time accepting the diagnosis while trying to cope with the different dynamics that come along with raising a child or multiple children living with ASD.
Daily occurrences such as putting them down for bed, going to school, dressing, bathing, and mealtime can be a challenge and can cause stress and anxiety, which may contribute to feelings of depression in a parent of a child on the autism spectrum.
If experiencing feelings of depression do not be afraid to seek support from a professional, support groups, and family and friends.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Nichole Wilson, Autism mom, founder of Autism Moms Are Beautiful, and founder and Editor-in Chief of AMAB magazine.
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Shea butter is a natural oily fat that comes from the seed of a shea tree. This natural source is full of vitamins A and E and is regarded be an excellent skin moisturizer with healing benefits. According to a study published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information, shea fat (shea butter) constitutes a significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds.
As we move towards being more conscience about the different toxins and substances found in lotions, and moisturizers, many consumers are moving towards the use of natural products such as shea butter for their skin and hair care needs. If considering switching to shea butter remember that not all shea butter product is equal, be sure that your shea butter product is of quality grade.
Melanin
Melanin
The American Shea Butter Institute warns that the category grade of the shea butter affects the quality. When purchasing shea butter products, look for Grade A, as it has the highest amounts of cinnamic acid, the main healing components of shea butter.
I had the opportunity to catch up with the owner and operator of Melanin Magic Shea Butter Products, Jasse’ Dickens. Below Jasse’ shares what inspired her to go into the skin care business, and gives us the inside scoop about her shea butter natural skin and hair products.
AG: Tell our readers what inspired you to create Melanin Magic Shea Butter Products. JD: A few years before starting Melanin Magic, I was diagnoses with Stage 0 breast cancer. After dealing with my diagnosis and getting back to good health, I decided I wanted to cut out toxins in my life that I could control. I learned that our everyday lotions have unnecessary toxins and I wanted to find an alternative for my family, and myself which is why I began making shea butter.
My shea butter hobby then turned into Christmas gifts that my extended family looked forward to. The requests became more frequent, my family started to tell me all of the benefits that they were seeing using my products and from there, my quest for health conscious endeavors began.
AG: Are Melanin Magic Shea Butter Products for use by the whole family?
JD: Yes, my entire family uses my shea butter, I even use it on my 3-month-old son. The purpose of my shea butter is to provide a chemical-free product. I use natural products that I infuse with essential oils & fragrance oils. My product is for everyone. I have fragrances for women and men.
AG: What are some of the benefits of using shea butter over other skin moisturizing products such as lotions?
JD: I believe that the earth provides us with everything that we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By using an organic resource, you are reconnecting with the earth’s natural moisturizer. The benefits are endless; shea butter treats blemishes, is anti-aging, restores elasticity to your skin, reduces stress marks, and reduces skin inflammation. A consumer would have to purchase several products to combat what one bottle of shea butter can do.
AG: What keeps you passionate about helping others take care of their skin care needs?
JD: After my cancer diagnosis, I realized that it was a necessity to remain healthy. I am aware that there are other people in a similar situation. My driving force is being able to use my creativity and innovation to help others maintain a healthy lifestyle
To order Melanin Magic Shea Butter Products send email to contactmmsb@gmail.com
Follow Jasse’ Dickens the owner of Melanin Magic Shea Butter on IG: @shopmmsb
SHEA BUTTER: A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE FOR SKIN AND HAIR CARE
Nichole has experienced firsthand how a diagnosis of autism can lead to feelings of depression in parents. Check out the interview below.
AG: You are the founder of Autism Moms Are Beautiful/AMAB Magazine, what was the driving force behind creating this platform? NW: The driving force was being tired of living depressed and hating my life. I had to figure out an outlet to help me get from under depression.
I started with going to school and counseling. I then shifted my focus helping other moms going through this same thing and wanted to give them an outlet of love, laughter and support. AG: What is the mission of Autism Moms Are Beautiful?
NW: AMAB (Autism Moms Are Beautiful) Magazine is a magazine created for autism moms to help and support other autism moms by sharing encouraging and uplifting articles.
We want autism moms to know we support them through the stresses and challenges that come with the dynamics of raising a child living with autism.
Our goal is to provide a safe haven for all autism moms. Autism Moms Are Beautiful is here to assist with love, compassion, and understanding.
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AG: From your experiences, how has the dynamic of autism affected your mental health?
NW: My mental health is for sure not the same. In the beginning, I felt I was losing my mind because I did not understand or knew how to help my daughter, but as time went on, I found different avenues to help get me through the tough moments.
I will watch comedy shows, go for a walk, go sit in a movie even if I have already seen it, and I take natural stress relief products to help manage.
AG: What advice would you give to a parent who is struggling with accepting that their child has been diagnosed with Autism?
NW: The first thing I would say to them is “not accepting is for sure normal and we have all been there”.
If you need to talk, please contact me or seek out a support group.
Do not be afraid to reach out to other autism moms to discuss your feelings. As time goes on this may help with acceptance because there is a support team there for you regardless if you are ready to accept the diagnosis or not.
Nichole Wilson is a certified sign language interpreter who currently resides in Pearland, Texas.
She is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston Massachusetts with a Master’s degree in Leadership/Nonprofit
Management and currently working on her Master’s Degree in Communications.
Nichole is a single mother to a beautiful, vibrant daughter diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Nichole is also the founder of Autism Moms Are Beautiful and Editor-in-Chief for AMAB Magazine.
Nichole’s passion for encouraging autism moms inspired her to create an anthem entitled, “Autism Moms Rock” which has over 70,000 views on Facebook.
The “Autism Moms Rock” music video features autism moms and their children who live on the autism spectrum.
Recently, Nichole participated in the 2020 Texas Regency Pageant as Ms. Pearland where she was 1st Runner Up as well as the People’s Choice Award winner.
Get in Contact with Nichole Wilson
FB: AMAB Magazine-Autism Moms Are Beautiful
FB: Autism Moms Are Beautiful with Nichole Wilson (private group)
IG: autism_moms_are_beautiful
Email: amabmagazine@gmail.com
Web: www.amabmagazine.com
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