TMC welcomes Jean, author of the blog Mommy to Two Boys. Jean has been one of those bloggers that has been around since this community’s inception and has seen my blog go through some major growth and change – and through it all, she’s one of those readers that is still with me. In fact, she’ll be the first to tell you that I inspire her but the truth is, she is an inspiration to me and so many others…I don’t think she even knows just how far her reach really is. She is a total Theta Mom in every sense, an amazing woman and mother, one that I am so honored to feature today. Here is how she describes her journey in her own words:
“Three courses away from my Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration, a year away from becoming an elementary school administrator, I gave birth to my first son. He was diagnosed with Autism very early and my life took a turn I never imagined.
I am now a stay at home mom so he can receive the best care including therapies and medical appointments. My career quickly, and unexpectedly, evolved into part time tutor, freelance writer, and blogger.
Through Mommy to Two Boys, I created an active community for parents of special needs and neuro-typical children, since I have experience as a mother of both. After my son’s diagnosis I instantly became an Autism guru and advocate, and wanted to share my experiences, knowledge, and stories with everyone. I express and receive advice, encouragement, comfort and understanding. My candid, supportive and guiding voice inspires parents, ensuring them they are not alone. Every day is a learning experience for parents, especially when dealing with special needs. I enjoy sharing our frustrations, disappointments, obstacles, celebrations, and love.
I have learned so much from my son that I truly believe it was meant to be; he was a gift I never realized I needed. And most of the time you will find a good laugh, because we can’t take this parenting gig too seriously!”
Be sure to check out the blog and follow her on Twitter! New to TMC? Join us! We LOVE new members!
*To be considered as a Featured TMC Blogger, be sure to comment on this week’s feature! Have a great weekend ladies!
Love Jean! I stumbled upon her blog ages ago when there were only a few bloggers talking about autism. Now, of course, they are everywhere. Jean’s honesty is always refreshing. Great feature.
Thanks Jessica. Isn’t is crazy to think that in some ways we were pioneers?
Very inspiring. I worked with kids with LD and Autism for many years, and their moms were always the hardest working, most inspiring moms out there. What a wonderful feature!
No, you are the hero. Ever since my son went to school, ABA therapy, at 18 months I have regarded special ed teachers, and anyone who works with people with special needs as heroes. But thank you.
Jean sounds amazing. I’m off to read her blog!
Sometimes those are the BEST kind of gifts! Like Alison, I’m going to visit…
Yes, and it was a life changing gift.
Jean is great! Her blog is always interesting, but her support is amazing! She really is a true Theta blogger!
I can truly relate to raising 2 sons. My eldest is 23 and my autistic junior is 22. As a matter of fact my 22 yr old has reached an incredible milestone. He graduates from high school this June! This event brings me such joy. I wondered and worried many times over if he would make it but he (we) persevered and I am so proud of him. Moreover, I can relate to becoming a guru upon my son’s diagnosis…all in the name of love!
Wow Jossie, that gives me so much hope. You are an amazing mama! So glad to “meet” you.
And huge congratulations to your son!
What a lovely feature. She articulates herself and the purpose of her blog so well. I love the work she’s doing to raise awareness for Autism and look forward to reading more from her!
Thank you Kristin. I appreciate the kind words and support!
Nice to meet you! I’ll be back to check the blog. You had me at mommy of two boys!
Thanks for turning me on to this blog. Just checked it out, read her post about the short bus, and loved it. It reminded me of the days when I worked in special education. Just followed her blog!
Thanks Christi! And thank you for working in special education, it takes amazing people like you!
Congratulations on your feature! I can’t wait to check out your blog!
So inspiring! My daughter was misdiagnosed with autism when she was two. Between the time we got her real diagnosis (processing disorder) and the time of her first diagnosis I threw myself into the autism community and helping her in every way I could. All the moms out there doing the same thing make up such an amazing community!
Thank you Johanna. If you don’t mind me asking, when did her diagnosis change? Did the school notice or a developmental pediatrician?
It changed gradually. In K she had a full IEP for autism but over the course of the year it became evident she didn’t need it and wouldn’t accept the help offered. I had her re-evaluated in first grade by another pediatrician who felt like all the signs pointed to a processing disorder that would require her to have extended time for tests and in-school work where distractions make it hard to focus.
Every year she changes and the needs shift slightly. Feel free to email me at johannagarth@gmail.com if you want to talk about it more.
best, Johanna
Just love this… love the “he was a gift I never realized I needed.” Can’t wait to check out her blog
I’m glad you enjoyed it Tabitha.
Thank you for sharing Jean’s story. I am going over to check it out!
Congratulations Theta Mom Jean! Looking forward to reading more on your blog.
Congrats on the feature Jean. There’s nothing more inspiring than a woman making the best of the cards she was dealt and find the beauty in the journey. Best wishes.
How great, Jean, that you took your situation and used it as an opportunity to help others! Community is invaluable to us moms.
I’m sending someone your way Jean. I just signed up with Theta Mom. My designer hasn’t even installed my design yet. (Old blogger who quit for a while. Now I’m back with a brand new blog and brand) But when I saw your site I thought of a friend of mine who has been dealing with her autistic son for 7 years. Our boys are the same age. She has a blog also and is very vocal and active with Austism and military issues. Can’t wait for Stacey to meet you!
God Bless you Jean!
Nik
Great profile – and every word of it is true! Jean is an amazing mom and a fantastic blogger as well.