summerMAX Reviews

"As a parent of a neurodivergent kiddo I certainly don’t consider myself unique. My experience isn't more or less difficult than any other parents', regardless if their kids are neurodivergent or not. My experience, is just that, it's my experience. But over time it became abundantly clear that what I was bringing to the table, as a parent with a neurodivergent child, wasn't enough. The humiliation of another public outburst. The countless apologies to daycare, then to school, to other parents constantly overwhelmed me. I felt frustrated. I felt disappointed. I felt angry. I felt lost. I couldn't understand, and, even though I tried to, why I couldn't I be more understanding, patient, tolerant, loving, supportive, and effective? It wasn't my fault, but I didn't possess the tools to empathize, produce change and be a source for good, even though my intentions were good.

Almost divinely, I was guided to [the] Institute of Autism Research (IAR), under the leadership of the knowledgeable and altruistic Drs. Marcus Thomeer and Christopher Lopata. My kiddo and family have been the beneficiary of some of these wonderful programs the IAR have hosted, that have been vital in providing a more harmonious, not perfect, life at home and school for our family. Historically, I was only the beneficiary of calls from the behavioral therapist, the social worker and principal saying "It's time to come over for an early school pick up AGAIN" Many of you know those phone calls all too well. Over time, you see the school's phone number ringing in the middle of the day and think "OH NO!" But since our relationship with the IAR began things have changed, they have gotten better, and continue to get better. I was given the most precious gift one can be given, hope.

This summer the team at the IAR will be holding their SummerMAX prorgam. If you're a parent with a child on the spectrum, that has lower support needs, you know pretty well that terrific social skills, expansive interests, emotional maturity, may not be their strong suit? I can only speak from my experience, mine struggles immensely with all of those. And that's ok. Maybe yours does to? But we need to support organizations like the IAR and the clinically researched and proven programs they provide available to all..."