"Can you help me?"

Yesterday morning, I had to take Nathan to a doctor's appointment.  After the appointment, as I was in the parking lot and buckling Nathan into the car, a woman in the car next to me rolled down her window and said to me, "Can you help me?"

Of course, me being me, my guard immediately went up and I hesitantly said, "Maybe, what do you need?"

She asked what I could tell her about the pediatrician in this office.  I told her he is amazing, that we drive from Westchester County to Dutchess County to see him.  I was still a little nervous, because I didn't know if she was investigating the office or something.  Then she asked if I knew if the office was any good with children with special needs.

I said, "Absolutely, my son is 10-years-old and has autism and we've been going to Dr. Malak since Nathan was 2 or 3.  He also has a child with special needs and is understanding, patient and kind."

She then told me that her grandson, who she is raising, is 2-years-old was just diagnosed with autism. She asked me how I handled it for myself.  I told her that it's hard, really hard, but we do what we have to do for our kids.

This is true for Grandmas too!

I asked her about what services her grandson was getting.  She was already off to a great start, and getting some early intervention services.  I recommended ABA therapy and gave her the name of Nathan and Drew's neurologist.  We talked about sensory overload and how to handle it.  My heart broke for this woman, I could see the pain and loneliness in her eyes.  I have been there, wanting to help so badly, but not knowing what to do, or how.  I gave her my email address, and the website for this blog, and she gave me her contact info.

Eunice, if you're reading this, I feel like we were parked next to each other for a reason.  Know that you are not alone, if you need anything, please feel free to reach out to me, I am here for you.  If you haven't already, please read these two blogs from earlier this month:
Something Is Wrong With My Child
My Child Has Autism- Now What?

For me, our meeting reinforced that I need to continue to tell these stories, continue reaching out to people.  Letting people know, we are all in this together!