My Story

When my son was two, I realized he was not like all the other kids his age.  I went to a psychologist who told me at the time to come back when he was eight years old to get an official diagnosis, but he was more than likely on the spectrum. I was left with no official diagnosis, and no direction; no help. Then a year later, my daughter was born with a heart condition and was also hard of hearing. We started getting her help with all kinds of therapies, which led us back to the ASD world. I eventually had ASD diagnoses for both of my kids. One child,  Asperger's, and one child, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified), ADHD, OCD, and GAD  (now Asperger's and PDD-NOS are all under Autism). This all took a toll on my marriage, and I was soon a divorced mother of two special needs kids. I had no job, no education, and no income, but I had to figure out how to make things work. I ended up down a journey that would completely change my life in the best possible way; eventually. ; )  

I tried to follow the advice of others, and it seemed to make things worse. I kept thinking, "but I would need _______ to make me feel better,"  so I started trying what I felt what "right." As it turned out, I was right;  things really started to turn around for my little family. I thought if I had some sort of degree or licensure, maybe people would believe me when I tried to explain what actually would work. I applied for a Master's program from the University of Oklahoma. I really didn't think I would get in, but I did; school had never been my "thing," but I absolutely loved to learn. I worked full time, home schooled my kids, and went to graduate school full time. All the while, I was taking my kids to their sports, dance, speech, OT, PT, counseling and equine therapy sessions. I learned the hard way, and I made mistakes along the way, but I figured things out.

I graduated and became a Licensed Professional Counselor and got certified to be a Life Coach; I also obtained Autism Specialization Certifications. I started to see a large number of ASD and other Neurodivergent clients as they found their way to me. I realized that I understood their needs because I was probably ASD too; we just really clicked. It took me until about a year ago to get an official diagnosis of ASD, OCD, GAD, and PTSD (all common co-morbid disorders with ASD); I'd already had an ADHD diagnosis from before. I cried, mostly happy tears, when I saw the results; I finally had some official answers. Let me help you find your answers.

You don't have to figure things out all on your own; I am here.