Don't let the diagnosis scare you—being parents of children within the autism spectrum can teach you many things and value others. Notwithstanding the diagnosis, our children are still those little ones we love so much since day one. Nothing has changed about them, only the perception of others towards them.
Being a neurodiverse family is just handling a family dynamic different from others. Children with autism are still human beings and can live their lives normally; they just see the world from a different perspective.
In this episode, we will be talking about autism without fear with our guest, Federika Tovar. A topic that I think is necessary to be spoken about to spread knowledge about it since its ignorance can lead to multiple misconceptions.
Today you will hear Federika's story and how her life changed positively after receiving the autism diagnosis of her two children. In addition, Federika will be talking about the different stages of grief that people experience after receiving an autism diagnosis and how to overcome them. Also, she will be giving a piece of advice to those parents starting this path.
Enjoy the episode!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[2:50] A Venezuelan nomad.
Getting to know Federika Tovar.
[9:41] From New York to Miami.
Our guest tells us her story of what it was like to have her children in the Big Apple city. Federika shares what it was like for her to "go with the flow" and end up in Miami, the beginning of new goals and successes.
[13:51] The first signs of autism.
Something that we must always keep in mind is that each autistic person is different. We should never compare our children with others. In this segment, Federika tells us how her speech delay led her to make the decision to take her daughter to a professional to be evaluated.
[27:27] Where did fearless Federika come from?
Our guest tells us how covid helped her leave her fears behind, change her life and move forward with her projects.
[37:35] Top tips for parents of autistic children.
1) Find family support.
2) Find therapeutic support.
3) Work on your patience.
4) Have a space for yourself.
[53:50] What lesson did you learn about being a mum of neurodiversity kids?
Federika tells us that being a mother of two children on the autism spectrum has taught her patience, empathy, inclusion, and the ability to adapt.
QUOTES
ABOUT FEDERIKA TOVAR
Federika Tovar mourned the expectation of idealized motherhood after the arrival of the Autism diagnosis for both of her children. For many years, she felt isolated and misunderstood. Only with the radical acceptance of her new reality did she decide to launch her podcast "Autism Without Fear," a space to demystify this condition, break taboos, and face all the fears.
The most important thing in this turbulent world of Autism is NOT to suffer in silence. Fears must be appreciated as allies and thus try to get society to respect and accept Neurodiversity with a bit of humor, an enthusiastic approach, and the occasional tear.
Thank you for listening!!
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