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A Story With A Happy Outcome For Mental Health Awareness Month
Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 2:31 PM
Overcoming her mental health challenges during the pandemic, Mellisa celebrates Mental Health Awaren…
Read this PostThe destruction of people’s physical and mental health from trauma, heartbreak and loss have been frequent story themes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re happy that Mellisa’s story has a very different outcome.
In the years before the pandemic, Mellissa had managed to keep moving forward despite the hardships she had experienced in childhood including physical and emotional abuse. Her teen years included stays in foster homes, a misdiagnosis of her mental health issues and wrongly prescribed medication. These contributed to years of emotional and behavioral struggles. Eventually she temporarily lost custody of her children.
By 2020 she was married, had regained custody of her two children, and she and her husband had two more children together. Mellisa was trying to make sure her children’s childhood was better than hers had been, but she was still faced daily struggles with depression, fear, and anxiety. She depended on her husband to do everything from cooking to shopping to taking the kids to school. After her previous experience, she no longer trusted medical professionals or any prescribed medicine to help with her struggles.
Mellisa’s outlook began to change when her 8-year-old son received a diagnosis of autism from the local regional center. She had not been aware of autism before, but soon realized that the associated behaviors were ones she recognized in herself. She soon had her own referral to the regional center resulting in her own autism diagnosis, and additional resources.
The regional center brought in Easterseals Coordinated Life Services to support Mellisa with her journey to emotional stability and an improved quality of life for herself, her son and the rest of their family.
Her Easterseals Community Support Specialist, Gia, was a supporter and advocate whose encouragement, praise and cheerleading was invaluable in assisting Mellisa with getting her life back on track. Since Mellisa was uncomfortable with video calls, they had long phone appointments during the pandemic where they worked to lift Mellisa out of her depression, help her overcome her fears, and tackle her anxiety.
“Through our conversations together, I coached and mentored her to advocate for herself,” said Gia. “Rather than giving up on treatments because of a previous bad experience, Mellisa developed the courage to speak up for herself to ensure the care she was receiving had a positive impact.”
Gia also encouraged Mellisa to accept input, consider different options, and supported her with her decision-making. In the process, they reduced her difficulties with communication and developed a relationship based on trust, where Mellisa learned to accept praise and support.
“In many ways, Mellisa is no different from the women I have worked with in my previous role as a marriage family therapist,” added Gia. “She just needed the courage to focus on her own self-care, change things up in her life and advocate for her and her son’s needs.”
With Gia’s support, Mellisa secured her son an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school, and developed a new relationship with a therapist that has empowered her and helped her find her voice. Setting aside the mental health stigmas that can be part of her Hispanic culture; she made the decision to try taking a new medication, which added to the transformation of her life. She now goes to the gym, maintains her therapy and has a better relationship with everyone in her life.
Reflecting on her experience with Gia, and how their bond helped turn her life around, Mellisa commented that, “She helped me feel like I had an advocate” adding, “we need more people who give us warmth and treat us as actual human begins and not just as a ‘case’.”
Mellissa now focuses on paying it forward, looking to add her voice to the movement to end the stigma around mental illness and increase available resources to benefit and transform the lives of others.
Check out the video of Mellisa and Gia’s reunion at The Broad art museum in Downtown Los Angeles, a place they talked about visiting after the pandemic! When The Broad heard Mellisa’s story, they provided VIP tickets so she and Gia could see all the museum’s fabulous exhibits in style!
The post A Story With A Happy Outcome For Mental Health Awareness Month appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
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What’s it Like Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum? For Claire Khodara, it’s unexpectedly beautiful.
Thursday, May 19, 2022, 4:49 PMWhat’s it Like Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum? For Claire Khodara, it’s unexpectedly beautiful.
Thursday, May 19, 2022, 4:49 PM
Having children opened my eyes and heart to a world I didn’t know existed, a world of endless opport…
Read this PostCheck out this essay by Claire Khodara originally posted on Babe Hatch
[Photo by Marilou Daube]
What is it like raising a child on the autism spectrum? Unexpectedly beautiful.
Life is a path of self discovery– at least that’s what mine has been so far. Having children opened my eyes and heart to a world I didn’t know existed, a world of endless opportunities for self growth. Motherhood isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
I have been told that all kids kick their parents’ ass in time and I guess I got mine kicked earlier than expected. Six months into being pregnant with my second child, I was told by a pediatrician that my firstborn, who was then 2-years-old, had autism and my second would likely as well. My whole world froze and my heart sank deeper than I ever knew it could. The isolation and depression was like nothing I had ever felt. I had no one to turn to. I didn’t know anyone who had autism, much less a parent who had advocated for their autistic child.
All ideas, visions, and expectations of what I thought Winston’s life would be were instantly shattered. Winston’s diagnosis and the uncovering of who he is as a person has been the most important learning experience of my life. Winston is now five and is one of the most earnest, beautiful, brilliant, subtle and direct people I know. I wouldn’t change him if I had the power to. Winston might not be like everyone else, but I have come to realize that’s the point of life.
Everyday he teaches me to be present to my life as it unfolds. Winston’s actions gently remind me that tomorrow doesn’t exist, yesterday is gone and to always act according to my heart. Despite his many differences, there are endless gifts. After all, humanity can’t push forward if we are all the same.
In addition to Winston, I am mother to Constantin (2) and Olympia (1). I am a singer and use song to communicate throughout the day and to wind down during bedtime. Music is my language and in our home, music knows no end. My children are all exposed to different genres: pop, jazz, classical, lullabies, hymns, chants, and more. I have seen incredible transformation in Winston through the music therapy we do at home and outside of the home with other musicians. Music stimulates him like nothing else. We sing lullabies every night before turning in, the one time of day where he feels complete peace. (In fairness, this is the one time of day where we all feel complete peace!)
Lullabies bring me back to a place of safety, protection, and love, where I can go each night with my children. That’s why I created a lullaby album titled Modern Lullaby for parents and children to enjoy music together. The album includes covers from my favorite musicians, and an original track entitled “There You Are,” which I wrote for Winston at birth. Winston also has a singing debut on the album, and his voice takes my breath away.
Modern Lullaby will be released on June 3. Proceeds will go to Easterseals, a nonprofit organization providing services for people on the autism spectrum and special needs at large.
The post What’s it Like Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum? For Claire Khodara, it’s unexpectedly beautiful. appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
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ACT NOW: Help End the Disability Workforce Crisis
Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 12:51 PM
Please contact the Governor and your elected officials this week by email, call or tweet at TheFutur…
Read this PostIt’s time to TAKE ACTION! Please contact the Governor and your elected officials this week by email, call or tweet at TheFutureIncludesUs.org urging them to end the disability workforce crisis by accelerating funding for regional center services and supports NOW!
The disability system is facing a serious workforce shortage and people with disabilities are either going without services, or not getting the full services they need. Last year, this Legislature passed a historic budget that included a “phased-in” five-year plan to close the $1.8 billion funding gap to the disability system that would ultimately stabilize the workforce for direct support professionals and regional center service coordinators. Unfortunately, the bulk of the investments are not scheduled to occur until 2024 and 2025
Rapidly changing circumstances like the pandemic and inflation now threaten the viability of that five-year plan. This funding could be “too little too late” if we don’t make those investments in the 2022-23 May Revise budget, which is being negotiated this week.
Let your elected officials know you support The Lanterman Coalition’s proposals to address the staffing crisis by accelerating the IDD five-year funding plan by one year, so those investments start NOW. It can’t wait.
Let’s build a future that will provide Californians with disabilities and the professionals who provide their supports and services a chance to live full and equitable lives.
#TheFutureIncludesUs
ACT NOW at www.TheFutureIncludesUs.org
SHARE YOUR STORY!
Click HERE to record a short video message to let the Governor and your elected officials understand how the workforce crisis impacts you or those you serve!
The post ACT NOW: Help End the Disability Workforce Crisis appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
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Singer and Autism Advocate Giving Streaming Proceeds from New Album to Easterseals Southern California
Monday, April 25, 2022, 5:56 PMSinger and Autism Advocate Giving Streaming Proceeds from New Album to Easterseals Southern California
Monday, April 25, 2022, 5:56 PM
Claire Khodara balances singing, her businesses and motherhood, while finding ways to support and ad…
Read this PostWe’re very excited to share the news of our Autism Awareness Month partnership with recording artist and influencer Claire Khodara!
Claire is a singer/songwriter with an international career spanning over 15 years. She has also added entrepreneur and business owner to her resume, but she is first and foremost a mother of three (all under age 5!) and an autism advocate.
Her new album, Modern Lullaby, is an outpouring of Claire’s love as a mother. It features her family’s favorite iconic cover songs from today’s hits, which can be enjoyed at bedtime by children and parents alike.
Claire’s son Winston was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and ever since she has been a passionate advocate for the autism community. Modern Lullaby is launching this summer for families to enjoy and as a platform for autism advocacy and awareness.
The album’s first single, a cover of Beyonce’s “Halo”, will be released this Friday, April 29 on all major streaming platforms, followed by the full album release on Friday, June 3.
As part of her album launch, she is donating all streaming proceeds to Easterseals Southern California to support the essential services and on-the-ground support we provide for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities— an honor to her eldest son and a cause that is particularly dear to Claire’s heart.
You can pre-save “Halo” from your preferred streaming service, and learn more about Easterseals Autism Therapy Services.
The post Singer and Autism Advocate Giving Streaming Proceeds from New Album to Easterseals Southern California appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.
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Autism Acceptance Month Celebrations Fill Easterseals’ April Calendar
Thursday, April 7, 2022, 4:11 PMAutism Acceptance Month Celebrations Fill Easterseals’ April Calendar
Thursday, April 7, 2022, 4:11 PM
Events, stories and activities increase understanding, acceptance, and support for autism and autist…
Read this PostThis April, Easterseals is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with events, stories and celebrations to increase understanding, acceptance and support for autism and autistic individuals, developing a kinder, more inclusive world of full acceptance.
Partnership with Blippi for Special Episode, Webpage, Watch Party and Panel
Blippi is a live action, educational children’s show for kids ages 2-6 years old. Through singing, dancing, and exploring, Blippi helps children understand the world around them by going on all kinds of learning adventures, from museums to wildlife parks. His contagious curiosity and love of learning through play has taught millions of kids how to count, colors, letters, and much more.
Blippi and Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) partnered to create a special episode, Blippi Meets Hans the Robot, to celebrate how kids learn in different ways. In the episode, Blippi and ESSC’s therapy robot, Hans, explore some of the different ways people can play, eat and dance during a visit to ESSC’s Autism Therapy and Disability Services Center in Irvine. This episode is available on April 2 on Blippi’s YouTube Channel, which has 15 million subscribers.
ESSC is supplementing the episode with story and coloring booklets that can be downloaded from their website. In addition, everyone is invited to join a virtual Blippi watch party followed by a panel featuring ESSC Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Paula Pompa Craven, Therapy Supervisor Michele Dew, VP of Research Dr. Amin Lotfizadeh, a family who participates with ESSC’s services, and Katelynn Heil General Manager from Moonbug Entertainment (the company that owns Blippi) on April 7 at 5:30 pm PST.
Autism Stories of Success
Stories about individuals with autism who experience personal growth and increased confidence and independence will be shared throughout the month.
Nine-year-old Adan had the story of his journey with our Autism Therapy team presented in the April e-newsletter. His five-year process of development with behavioral interventionists and his family, ultimately resulted in Adan having clearer communication and greater independence.
Easterseals Ambassador Aaron Likens was featured on Fox 11’s morning news program, Good Day LA, for his role as a professional Indycar Flagman, including for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach April 8-10, 2022, and his work as an autism advocate, speaker and author.
Please keep your eyes out for more Stories of Success and events celebrating Autism Acceptance Month.
The post Autism Acceptance Month Celebrations Fill Easterseals’ April Calendar appeared first on Easterseals Southern California Blog.