Latest news with #AutismAwarenessMonth
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Raising special kids require special care
The month of April--considered as Autism Awareness Month--has drifted past us. During the month and beyond, numerous articles and posts zoom in on standing up for the needs and rights of children with special needs. That said, the challenges faced by the parents and caregivers of children with special needs are often overlooked. Parenting, as such, is an emotional rollercoaster and inherently complex, but raising a child with special needs requires exceptional care, patience and empathy. This journey is profoundly long, emotional, and often overwhelming, requiring parents to address unique challenges while balancing societal expectations and personal well-being. Parents of children with special needs face a broad-ranging role that extends beyond typical parenting. They must fight for their child's education, therapies, and inclusion while managing medical appointments, behavioral challenges, societal judgments, and stigma. Thus, parents and caretakers of neurodivergent children are constantly juggling as a scheduler, a researcher, a nurturer, a learner, a supporter, a defender, and among various other roles. This persistent and relentless responsibility can lead to emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and feelings of isolation, as parents cope with both their child's needs and their own mental and physical health. Financial challenges from specialized care and the constant need to adapt to their child's evolving needs further intensify the strain. Despite these demands, society rarely acknowledges the resilience, silent struggles endured, and sacrifices these parents make every day. They are expected to remain enduring, yet their struggles—such as coping with judgment, battling systemic barriers, or finding time for themselves—are rarely addressed. As the saying goes, 'You cannot pour from an empty cup,' and 'Help yourself before helping others.' For special parents to thrive and provide the best care for their child, they must prioritize their own well-being. To be the best parent you can be for your incredible kid, you've got to take care of yourself. Here are practical ways special parents can fill their cup to navigate this demanding journey: 1. Embrace Self-Compassion Release self-blame or guilt feelings for your child's condition and practice unconditional self-love. Acknowledge your efforts and forgive yourself for perceived shortcomings. Self-care practices like journaling, therapy, or even a quiet moment of reflection can replenish your emotional strength. 2. Rediscover Joy Through Hobbies Takeout time for activities that give you joy, such as reading, gardening, dancing, yoga, Zumba, trekking, or cooking a new recipe. Hobbies offer a mental escape, reduce stress, and reconnect you with your identity beyond caregiving, fostering a sense of personal fulfillment. 3. Find Peace in Spirituality Meditation, prayer, or spiritual practices can provide emotional clarity and resilience. These tools lighten the weight of challenges, helping you navigate your journey with a purpose and less emotional baggage. 4. Build a Supportive Community Connect with other parents of children with special needs through support groups, online forums, or local meetings. Sharing experiences, resources, and solutions builds a sense of belonging and reminds you that 'I am not alone.' These connections can also provide practical tips and emotional encouragement. 5. Empower Yourself with Knowledge Educate yourself about your child's neurodivergence and specific needs. Learning skills to support your child at home, beyond relying on therapies or professionals, This helps build confidence and strengthens your bond with the child. Knowledge equips you to advocate effectively and make informed decisions for your child's care. 6. Keep Living Fully Don't stop living your life. Continue to socialize, travel, dine out, watch movies, or enjoy adventures like scuba diving, visiting exhibitions, or playing at a games zone. It's about sustaining your happiness. Focusing solely on therapies without balance can lead to feelings of deprivation, frustration, anger, and sacrifice. So, create and seize the available opportunities and build up memories to cherish. 7. Prioritize Physical Health Your health is crucial for the long-term care of your child. Commit to regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest to maintain physical and mental strength. A healthy body supports a resilient mind, equipping you to handle caregiving demands. 8. Set Boundaries and Ask for Help Protect your energy by setting boundaries with family, friends, or even professionals. Don't hesitate to delegate tasks or seek help from trusted loved ones, respite care, or community resources. Accepting support allows you to recharge and focus on both yourself and your child. 9. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or guided imagery, to stay grounded during stressful moments. Keeping a gratitude journal to reflect on small victories or joyful moments—whether related to your child or personal life—can shift your perspective and boost emotional resilience. 10. Celebrate Your Resilience Acknowledge your strength and the progress you've made as a parent. Celebrate small wins, such as simply getting through a tough day. Recognizing your growth strengthens your ability to thrive in this unique journey. 11. Express Yourself Creatively Engage in creative outlets like painting, writing, music, or crafting to process emotions and find joy. Creative expression can be therapeutic, offering a way to release stress and explore your inner world, even in short bursts of time. 12. Plan for Financial Well-Being The financial strain of special needs care can be overwhelming. Take small steps to manage stress by creating a budget, exploring grants, or assistance programs. Feeling more in control of finances can reduce anxiety and improve mental health. 13. Seek Professional Support When Needed Don't hesitate to consult a therapist, counselor, or coach who specializes in supporting parents of children with special needs. Professional guidance can help you navigate emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and build resilience tailored to your unique journey. 14. Manage Time Effectively The demands of special needs parenting can make time feel scarce. Implement time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, using a planner, or scheduling brief periods for self-care. 15. Nurture Your Personal Identity Beyond your role as a parent, reconnect with your individual passions and interests. Engage in activities like taking a course, joining a club, or reflecting on personal goals to maintain a sense of self. Cultivating your identity outside of caregiving fosters balance and fulfillment. 16. Add Humor to Life Incorporate humor into your routine to alleviate stress and enhance emotional well-being. Watch a comedy, share lighthearted moments with friends, or find humor in daily challenges. Laughter can serve as a powerful tool to lift your spirits and build resilience. By embracing these strategies, special parents can nurture their own well-being while providing exceptional care for their child. Enjoying life, maintaining physical and mental health, and finding joy in small moments create a foundation for a fulfilling and contented life. To be the best parent you can be for your incredible kid, you've got to take care of yourself. Ultimately, caring for yourself is not separate from caring for your child—it's an integral part of giving them the love and support they need to thrive. (Pooja Mittal, Co-Founder and COO of Divit Health, brings a diverse background with a Master's in Mathematics, MCA, a Clinical Psychologist and a Special Educator. She is also a parent of Special Child.)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queen Elizabeth's cousin Flora Vesterberg reveals autism diagnosis at 30
Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, Princess Alexandra, has revealed her autism diagnosis in a powerful new essay. Currently 62nd in line to the British throne, Vesterberg is the thrice-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The 30-year-old art historian and broadcaster opened up about her neurodiversity in an article for Vogue published Sunday. 'Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with autism. I've struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths,' she began the essay. 'Like many women, I only recently felt compelled to pursue a clinical assessment. It followed an urgent need for clarity ahead of beginning my PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art. As a result of the diagnosis, I feel empowered by having a framework with which to understand my experiences and sensitivities. It brings a sense of relief as well as validation. I know that this will not only help me to be kinder to myself, but also help my community to support me effectively.' Flora, who married private equity investor Timothy Vesterberg in 2020, said she was told by her psychiatrist: 'Nearly 80 per cent of autistic women remain undiagnosed by age 18, a vast number of women on the spectrum are hiding in plain sight.' Vesterberg said she was choosing to reflect on her diagnosis during Autism Awareness Month 'in the hope that I can contribute to advocating for a shift in that statistic over time.' The young royal added that it had given her 'the confidence to seek the right support' as she begins her PhD at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London later this year. 'Whilst my journey with autism feels like it only truly began with my diagnosis, I feel relieved to now have a clearer understanding of my emotional needs as well as the strengths that I should lean into.' Vesterberg already holds a philanthropic role at the Courtauld on the Campaign Board. She is also co-chair of the Young Patrons' Circle of the Victoria & Albert Museum and supports the non-profit Art History Link-Up. Her father, James Ogilvy — the elder child and only son of Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy — reshared a link to his daughter's Vogue piece on Instagram, writing: 'Very proud of you beautiful daughter.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Queen Elizabeth's Cousin Flora Vesterberg Reveals Autism Diagnosis at Age 30: 'I Feel Relieved'
Princess Alexandra's granddaughter Flora Vesterberg shared that she was diagnosed with autism earlier this year Flora, 30, said she navigated challenges around her neurodiversity since childhood but felt compelled to pursue testing before undertaking a PhD The British royal family member said the diagnosis empowered her with a framework "to understand my experiences and sensitivities"Queen Elizabeth's cousin Flora Vesterberg has shared that she was diagnosed with autism at age 30. Flora is the granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, a first cousin of the late Queen, and opened up about her diagnosis in a first-person essay for British Vogue on May 25. "Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with autism. I've struggled quietly with the challenges of my neurodiversity since childhood, but am now also able to perceive its strengths," Flora began the essay. "Like many women, I only recently felt compelled to pursue a clinical assessment. It followed an urgent need for clarity ahead of beginning my PhD at The Courtauld Institute of Art," the art historian and broadcaster said. Following the diagnosis, Flora said that she felt "empowered by having a framework with which to understand my experiences and sensitivities," and that the diagnosis gave her "a sense of relief as well as validation." "I know that this will not only help me to be kinder to myself, but also help my community to support me effectively," she wrote. Flora said the diagnosis followed testing with Dr. Dimitrios Paschos, a leading consultant psychiatrist and honorary research fellow at King's College London, and mentioned that she was reflecting during Autism Awareness Month, which is observed around the world in April. The royal family member also shouted out the Now I Know campaign organized by the National Autistic Society of the U.K., which features a series of videos and photographs highlighting the experiences of women and non-binary individuals who were also diagnosed with autism later in life. "As someone who has previously felt overwhelmed by the limitations of undiagnosed autism, this series offered a powerful sense of community and relatability," Flora wrote. "It was also a reminder that autism comes in many different forms and can affect anyone, regardless of their background or career." The daughter of James and Julie Oglivy said that the diagnosis brought her clarity and voiced a wish to help other women with autism advocate for what they need. "Whilst my journey with autism feels like it only truly began with my diagnosis, I feel relieved to now have a clearer understanding of my emotional needs as well as the strengths that I should lean into," she wrote elsewhere in the essay. "...These can sometimes be overshadowed by the accompanying struggles, but that's when I hope to encourage myself – and other autistic women – to be open with their community, and develop rituals to help them embrace their neurodiversity." Flora turned 30 in December 2024 and cited a statistic from Dr. Paschos that 80% of women with autism remain undiagnosed by age 18. She said she penned the essay "in the hope that I can contribute to advocating for a shift in that statistic over time." Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The PhD. student married Timothy Vesterberg, a Swedish financier and former professional hockey player, in a private ceremony at the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace in September 2020 amid the COVID pandemic, followed by a church blessing one year later with royal wedding energy. There, the bride sparkled in Princess Alexandra's Ogilvy Tiara in its pearl setting for the celebration attended by Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife Sophie Winkleman and more royal family members. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Earth Week Spring Cleaning
Regions associates celebrated Earth Week with river cleanups, community gardening projects, litter pickups and more. By Candace Higginbotham NORTHAMPTON, MA / / May 19, 2025 / It's been a busy spring for Regions volunteers, with Share the Good, Financial Literacy Month and Autism Awareness Month. Some teams decided to take it outside and celebrate another April event, Earth Week, by sprucing up parks, rivers, neighborhoods and other public spaces. The Birmingham-based Regions Finance division took Earth Week literally - by getting their hands in the dirt. The team worked with community partner Friends of Avondale Park to install a new native plant garden and a natural erosion control bank that will improve the water quality of the park's pond. "We were looking for a way to give back to our local community and get outdoors during the beautiful spring season," said Allyson Jansen, an analyst on the Financial Planning and Analysis team. "Friends of Avondale Park was a perfect community partner for us-it's a local organization doing meaningful work to preserve and improve one of Birmingham's historic parks. When we learned about their ongoing efforts to combat erosion damage and restore the park with native plants, we saw a great opportunity to support a cause that impacts both the environment and our community." Around 25 associates spent the afternoon in the park, moving piles of topsoil and compost into two large newly tilled beds, which were then covered with mulch to prepare them for planting later in the fall. The hard work paid off and the team was thrilled with the result. "It was inspiring to see how a few hours of teamwork could make such a visible impact," Jansen said. "Projects like these help us step outside our daily roles and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. We look forward to continuing this kind of work in the future." It was inspiring to see how a few hours of teamwork could make such a visible Jansen, Analyst on Regions Financial Planning and Analysis team According to John Forney, president of Friends of Avondale Park, their effort made a big impact. "Friends of Avondale Park often requires help to address problems and opportunities across this 37-acre tract," Forney said. "The Regions Finance crew were great fun to work with, eager and even competitive with each other. Their work will allow us to install native plants next fall, stabilizing the pond bank and the walk running along it. For a group of bankers, they were impressively able and willing to get their hands dirty!" Another historic neighborhood, Edgehill, just south of downtown Nashville, got a spring facelift thanks to Regions. Six associates, led by Jackob Murray, a Regions Small Business banker and marketplace co-chair for the Nashville Impact Network, participated in the Community Gardening Day at Edgehill Apartments. The team planted flowers, vegetables and shrubs and refreshed garden beds. "The garden is one of the largest and oldest community gardens in Nashville," Murray said. "A few residents came over to visit and help out. They thanked us for helping to get the garden ready for the season." Murray has a special connection to the Edgehill neighborhood and says the Nashville Impact Network will continue to support the community with various other events and activities. Other Regions teams took to the water for their Earth Week activity. Whit Howell, part of the Wealth Management Strategic Execution team, worked with Cahaba Riverkeeper to lead a group of 13 Birmingham-based Wealth Management and Digital Banking associates for a clean-up project on the Cahaba River. The team floated six miles in canoes and picked up more than 300 pounds of trash. Those six miles of paddling made a big impact on the local community: The Cahaba River is the main drinking water source for around about one-fifth of all Alabamians and is a habitat for the iconic Cahaba lily. "I'd heard about Cahaba River cleanups from other Regions associates and after reaching out to Cahaba Riverkeeper, it was a no-brainer to get some teammates together and get out on the water!" Howell said. Though the team had fun and made a huge difference, he added that it was a bit disheartening to see so much trash left that they didn't have the resources to gather. A good reason to come back next year! Jonesboro, Arkansas, associates also took part in some spring cleaning - in their work neighborhood. Shelly Lamb, Private Wealth Management Trust Support administrator, led a team that took part in the Keep Jonesboro Beautiful campaign by picking up trash and debris near the local Regions branch. Lamb is part of the Green Business Committee of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a longtime advocate for local conservation and beautification efforts. "Getting a group of coworkers together to pick up trash is a fun way to get lots of people involved in keeping our neighborhoods clean and beautiful." Lamb and other Jonesboro associates also participated in the Arkansas State University Earth Day celebration. The event hosted more than 200 elementary students from across northeast Arkansas who learned about protecting the environment, gardening basics and appreciating nature. "I'm excited we had so much volunteer activity around Earth Day this year," said Susan Clowdus, volunteer manager for the Regions Making Life Better Institute. "These associates made life better in these neighborhoods and communities by making them more beautiful!" View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on Contact Info:Spokesperson: Regions BankWebsite: info@ SOURCE: Regions Bank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
The Parktown community came together to raise awareness about neurodevelopmental disorders
The Parktown community came together to raise awareness about neurodevelopmental disorders The Key School for children with autism embarked on a walk on April 25 around Parktown with its neighbours, JMPD, SAPS bikers and other stakeholders to bring awareness to autism and neurodiversity during Autism Awareness Month. Read more: Local non-profit raises awareness about head and brain injuries School principal Michelle Pallaton-Emerick said there was autism awareness every day at the school. 'Our aim this year is to spread knowledge and give our learners and their families a space where they feel heard and accepted without judgement and the stigmas around autism. My teachers teach with heart and lead with hope.' Pallaton-Emerick added that every small step was a victory, and the staff would continue to fight for every voice to be heard and every child to be seen. According to the United Nations, World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 was observed under the theme Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlighted the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts, showcasing how inclusive policies and practices could drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to the achievements of the SDGs. Also read: Parktown Girls High School learner inspires awareness for neurodiverse individuals through pageantry 'Bringing together global experts, policymakers, and autistic voices, the event features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, addressing areas such as inclusive healthcare, education, employment, and urban development. This year's discussion explored the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that promote accessibility, equality, and innovation across multiple sectors,' noted the United Nations. Discussions focused on inclusive healthcare, quality education, workplace accessibility, reducing inequalities, and designing autism-friendly cities and communities. The school aims to provide a safe learning environment for children on the spectrum and embraces each learner's educational needs through a different way of teaching. Head facilitator at the school Ronel McIntosh concluded, 'Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages empathy and promotes inclusivity in schools, workplaces and communities; creating a more supportive environment not only for the children but also the families.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Join ILoveBoobies and the Imagine Challenge 2024: a step towards creating awareness for breast cancer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
