I am an Autism Mom. That took me years of tears and confusion, laughter, and pain, fighting and advocating, plus rationalizing and self-blame... to say and really feel. It wasn't because I was ashamed or secretive about my son's diagnosis, I was actually very loud and proud. As parents of special needs kids, we want to protect them from the label. I too was afraid to let this label, this Autism Mom define me, become me, swallow me whole. And just as I have treated my son as a person, as a kid, as CADEN, not as an Autistic being, I have learned that I am Alli, I am me. And yes, I am an Autism Mom, but I am so much more. My careers in fashion, teaching, real estate, and interior styling, were not a waste. I have taken bits and pieces from each career, each step in my journey, to help me grow and arrive where I am today. I am a present, living my life with purpose. I feel and I love. Every small moment is noticed, and I continue to grow with each breath I take. I have joy and gratitude. I have come so far and know I have a long way to go, but I trust that I am exactly where I am supposed to be today. Now I share this journey and help others on theirs. Sitting in a place of overwhelm, not having a direction can be paralyzing. Your life can be different if you have someone guiding you, giving you the tools, you needed to bring back joy to your everyday life with unshakable confidence, clarity, and purpose. You can become your future self. I did and you can too! I am an autism mom and so much more!
