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Jeffrey McParland's avatar

Flashlight-Focus, nice!

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drea.m.r.76's avatar

This is similar to what I've done with my sixteen-year-old daughter since she was a toddler. She has autism (not diagnosed until about two years ago, but it's been obvious since she was a toddler), and feelings in general are challenging for her. Starting from when she was a toddler, she would have violent tantrums throughout the day, which went on, slowly lessening, through junior high. Luckily, online school is free, so we could stay home and work together. I was the only person who could comfort her, and it would start with me asking if I could sit by her. This would slowly lead to me asking what's on her mind by giving her the space to talk about words that popped into her head and feelings that appeared in her body. We would work together, starting with a single word or feeling, and gradually she could hone in on what was going on inside, with me repeating what she would say to see if that was correct. There was a lot of uninhibited screaming and movement, and she could always work through what she needed. We still do this, and there's still uninhibited screaming and movement, and it's not nearly as often. She's amazing, seriously amazing! I could (and do) learn a lot from her. It's hard to believe she's 16, dang! I'm so lucky to have the time I have had, and continue to have, with her.

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Suzy Trimmer's avatar

Love and resilience are amazing. You and your daughter are amazing 💗💕💖

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drea.m.r.76's avatar

Thank you, Suzy, you're so kind! 🧡

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Proactive Mindfulness's avatar

drew, I would love to record a conversation with you about what you've been doing with your daughter, as something that could inspire other relatives of people with autism. Let me know whether you would be open to it. Serge

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drea.m.r.76's avatar

Oh my! I would love to have a conversation with you--thank you! I'm currently having some health issues, so I'm not sure what the immediate future holds. I have an appointment with my Cardiologist tomorrow, so I will hopefully have a better idea soon. I hope you have a wonderful day! 🕊️🧡🤲

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Proactive Mindfulness's avatar

No hurry whatsoever.

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