Habelrih - Dealing with autism: how I successfully raised my child with autism and how you can too ...: an empowering guide for parents and teachers in navigating the world of autism

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My inspiration for writing this book is obviously Richard my son, my teacher and my hero. I have seen you face and overcome so many challenges that many of us will never have to face. Every day you inspire and challenge me to become a better person. I see the world in a totally different light now because of you and for this, I thank you.

Autism is a challenging disorder and I used to ask God why He allowed this to happen to my boy. I now thank God with all of my heart for bestowing on our family such a precious gift. In the earlier part of our autism journey I was seeking answers and miracles and during this process I was able to rediscover my faith. I have since developed a much deeper relationship with God and for this, I am truly thankful.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank my amazing daughter. Emily, I am in awe of you. What a pleasure it has been to raise you and what a beautiful young lady you have blossomed into. I am so proud of all of your achievements. I know that it was not easy for you growing up in such a hectic household, yet you still managed to achieve a Higher School Certificate ATAR score, which put you in the top six percent of the states candidature. You were inspired by your brother to become a psychologist so that you could help many more like him. Instead of resenting the time and energy that was directed his way, you set yourself a goal; your school principal suggested a plan B, but you would not budge. You struggled and worked hard and you continued to aim high as you managed to achieve a high distinction average in your first year of your masters degree study in clinical psychology, all while living interstate. Just being accepted into this masters programme was such a huge achievement! You will make such a wonderful psychologist; drawing from your real-life experience of growing up with Richie and his autism, you will use your empathy in helping your clients overcome even the most difficult of challenges, just as you did yourself and just as you helped your own brother. You have been instrumental in Richards programmes and when you were older, but still a child, we consulted with you as a peer. You will be of great assistance to your future clients and it will all come from a place of love and a genuine desire to make a difference. I thank you also for your contribution to this book. The chapter you wrote from your perspective as a sibling was an eye opener for me and will benefit other parents by making them aware of how an autism diagnosis effects the entire family.

Of course I would like to acknowledge and thank my dear husband Elias. I thank you for all the love and support that you have given to me and our two beautiful children. Wow, what a rollercoaster ride weve experienced. Neither of us could have predicted what was in store for us when we both said for better or for worse! I cannot imagine being on this rollercoaster ride with anyone else. We make a great team; our love has survived the toughest of tests and is now stronger than ever. You are my rock.

Throughout our journey I have learnt who my true friends are and you know how much I value your love, support and honesty but most of all, I love that you accept our whole family and you always welcome Richard and give him your time and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you also to Richards grandparents, who supported us all the way. Sadly, Elias has no memory of his father who passed away when Elias was only six months old and who never had the opportunity to meet any of his wonderful grandchildren. They would have made him so proud. To my departed mother-in-law, Madeleine, you adored Richie and I know you are now watching over him from heaven. To my own parents, Richard and Diane, you gave us your continued love, encouragement and support and we thank you. Dad, we named Richie after you and Mum, until your debilitating stroke in 2000, you used to come by almost daily to help me with the physiotherapy programme.

To Kyonga Lee, who helped me with the Doman Therapy the task was so daunting, yet with your help we got through each days ambitious programme. Thank you also to Monique Simpson, our speech therapist who broke the ice and got Richard speaking. The first time he said the word more was in your office. You had him swinging from a hanging chair and he was laughing hysterically but then you suddenly stopped the chair and would not swing him again until he said more. You stood your ground for what seemed an eternity and then some twenty minutes later we heard mo. I could not believe it! You motivated Richard with your bubbly and extravert personality and achieved success. We were so touched when you asked Richard to be the page boy at your wedding and Ill never forget how you radiated happiness that day!

To Clerita Ferreira, our dedicated and highly trained ABA therapist, thank you, you played such a major role in Richards success. There are no words to acknowledge all you did for him; you also accompanied Richie all through his primary school years, shadowing and guiding him until he was ready for high school. You were there through the toughest times and you stuck by him no matter what; you became a member of our family and Richie still misses you!

To Dr. John Criticos who, as a pioneer in biomedical treatment in Australia, guided us through our own treatment maze at a time when very few doctors would go down this path.

To the teaching and support staff at St. Mary and St. Joseph Primary School in Maroubra, thank you for taking Richard in and leading by example, showing by your actions that all children deserve love, respect and an education. Karen Begaud, I would never have imagined when we were both still students in high school that one day you would play a critical role in the education of my future son!

I would also like to thank the dedicated and professional community that makes up Richards high school, Champagnat Catholic College (formerly Marist College Pagewood). Richard is the man he is today as a result of the concerted effort of each and every staff member of this fine school. Whilst I cannot name each staff member individually, I must thank the following:

David McInnes, as principal your leadership is instrumental in making the school the caring and professional institution that is Champagnat Catholic College. Thank you for all you have done for us over the years. We could not have hoped to be in better hands.

Donna Costello, an angel sent from heaven who was there from day one until the very last moment at the graduation ceremony. You led the special needs team in rooms 9 and 10, you were Richards greatest advocate at school and you always had time to discuss any of our concerns. Richies challenges were always put into perspective and you always looked for a solution. Nothing was impossible under your guidance and to top it off, your sense of humour was so refreshing!

Debra Featherstone-Little, you complemented Donna so perfectly; thank you for all your contributions in our planning meetings, we were so blessed to have you as one of the leaders on the special needs team. To Sue Pazmino, thank you for infectious smile and your hands-on assistance with Richards learning support in his social skills programme, in accompanying him to Target and travel training him. You have played a major role in the development of his confidence and self esteem.

And also to Sandra Ellamore who was Richards high school teachers aide from year seven to year ten. We were so lucky to have you as an integral part of Richards team. Thank you for preparing him to take on the challenges of years eleven and twelve without an aide for the first time in his school career.