What does it truly mean to raise a child with autism? In this heartfelt episode, Leah Gross sits down with Tonya Newberry to discuss her personal journey as a mother navigating autism, from the first signs to finding the right support system. Tonya shares invaluable insights on early intervention, therapy options, and the power of community support. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice.
Key Questions Explored in the Episode:
- What were the early signs that led Tonya to seek an autism diagnosis for her son?
- How did different therapies, including ABA, impact her son’s development?
- What are the biggest challenges parents of autistic children face?
- Why is social support crucial for both parents and children?
- How can parents best advocate for their child's needs?
- What inspired Tonya to start her nonprofit, Autism Branches?
Discussion Points:
- Welcome to Holland Poem & Introduction: Understanding the unexpected journey of parenting a child with disabilities.
- Recognizing the Signs of Autism: Tonya shares her first observations of changes in her son’s behavior and development.
- The Diagnostic Process & Therapy Journey: From speech and occupational therapy to ABA, what worked and why.
- The Emotional Toll on Parents: How parents process feelings of guilt and responsibility.
- Finding & Building a Support System: The importance of community and trusted professionals.
- The Role of ABA Therapy in Transformation: How home-based therapy changed her son's life.
- Creating Autism Branches: Tonya’s mission to help other families find resources and support.
- Preparing for the Future: Teaching independence and life skills for long-term success.
Summary of the Conversation:
Tonya Newberry shares her powerful journey of raising her son Alexander, from the early signs of autism to the challenges of securing the right therapies. She opens up about the emotional toll of parenting a child with special needs, how she overcame feelings of isolation, and the impact of finding a strong support system. She discusses the role of ABA therapy in helping Alexander develop life skills, communication, and independence. Tonya also shares how her experiences inspired her to start Autism Branches, an organization that provides essential resources and community support to families navigating autism.
About The Guest:
Tonya Newberry is a passionate autism advocate and the founder of Autism Branches, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children with autism. As a mother navigating her son’s autism diagnosis, she has firsthand experience in seeking therapies, building a support network, and advocating for early intervention. Through her work, she helps other families find the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- Early intervention is crucial – Start seeking therapies and support as soon as signs of autism appear.
- Parents should not blame themselves – Autism is not a result of parental actions, and seeking help is essential.
- ABA therapy can be transformative – Structured, repetitive learning can help children develop critical life skills.
- Building a support system is key – Whether through family, friends, or community groups, having a village helps.
- Independence starts at home – Teaching daily tasks and responsibilities prepares children for long-term success.
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