About Mother's Guide Through Autism

My coaching program (as well as the podcast) and the name have been inspired by my son Joseph. He is an adult living with autism. They once told me that he might not be able to ever live on his own, attend school in a traditional learning environment, or if he did attend public school, he would be in a self contained classroom away from his peers. He would be confined to an environment that would limit his education, personal growth, and opportunities to function in society. 

This was when inclusion was just being introduced in education. It was also recommended that we drug him so that he could pay better attention if he were to attend school.

Joseph proved them wrong and now is 29 living independently.

A couple of years ago, I asked Joseph if he could help me with a name for the podcast I was starting. His first response was “Well, I am blank.” I know by now not to take it personally because he speaks the truth.  

About 10 seconds of silence passed and then he said, “Well, I see a wise old man sitting on a mountain with a long gray beard.” He motioned his hands as if he were stroking the long grey beard. Oh, I said, “That's pretty cool.”

He then came back with his final reply and said, “Really it's more like you are my tour guide.” You mean in your life? I asked. He said, “Yes, you have shown me how.”  

A tour guide of life. Wow, I thought to myself that’s powerful and a great metaphor. In fact, I have been his tour guide when I needed to redirect him with love, patience, and communication.  

That is how Mother’s Guide came to be. I would also like to add, it has been in the works for the past 29 years of being Joseph’s tour guide.