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"The Byrnes Journey" starring Incredible Tman

Until you're a parent most people don't think much about autism. When you learn you're going to be a parent, you pray for a healthy child.  You start hearing about the statistics and pray that your child won't be one of the 1 in 45 children diagnosed on the spectrum.  Autism questionnaires/screenings have now become part of your child's yearly well visits. And by now you probably know someone autistic;  relative, friend's child, or a student in your child's class. 

 

This is how our story began, until  February 14th 2015.  Our "Tman" was diagnosed with SPD & Autism. My intuition had been telling me this for months, but hearing the doctor speak those words made it real, final, and permanent! I wasn't devastated, because I knew he was the same Tman we knew & loved.  Surprisingly, there was a feeling of relief. I wasn't the overreacting, crazy, nor a neurotic parent people had thought. I knew that he was experiencing the world differently, and in a way that we didn't understand. We just couldn't understand each other, creating more and more days of frustration in our family! I needed help so that I could fix it.... I've learned there is no fixing it. Every night I went to bed feeling horrible that I lost it with him, and it broke my heart! Night after night, I quickly doubted my strength and ability to be a good mother to him &my others. I still have nights like this, but I know that we have good days, too! 

 

Terence didn't change when he was diagnosed , what changed was how we communicate & connect with him. Terence has therapy daily, and I am learning new strategies from his therapists, other parents,literature, and workshops. We use these techniques to help in our daily routines.  I help his brothers & sister understand how Terence is experiencing things a little differently then we do, and has to really work hard at keeping his body in check with his surroundings. I try to get everyone to understand that even if we can't see it, it's hard work for him everyday. So we'll have days that are "bad days" and on these ones it's our job to try our best to help him instead of getting mad. 

 

I consider our family blessed! Tman is high functioning  and quite the smarty pants! Not to mention the kid knows he's adorable! All too often, I hear " he doesn't seem autistic". I have to remind myself they only see snapshot(s) of him. Many people have this picture of what autistic children look or behave like. Until your introduced and become part of an autistic community, it's difficult to truly understand that every autistic child is different...there are no two alike! Nothing with autism is black & white, or constant. People need to be more aware & knowledgeable of what Autism really is, because there are too many misconceptions.

 

In this journey we have met some amazing people with the biggest hearts & unlimited amount of patience. Our doctors and therapists have guided us & given us a multitude of resources. We have family and friends who have been understanding and supportive.  On days I feel like throwing up the white flag, there is someone there to pick me up and remind me we will get through it. Unfortunately,  I meet parents who have not been as fortunate. They have battle after battle trying get their child the necessary services. I see non-verbal ASD children struggle, and it's heartbreaking to hear the insurance wouldn't cover ABA hours or necessary equipment. I see the weight on their shoulders, and the stress they are under 24/7 to be their child's advocate in addition to everything else. Through it all, these parents keep optimistic & resilient regardless of being pushed down or shut out. 

 

So the Byrnes family is walking for all the superheroes in the Autism community! Please join us in supporting these children & their families, as well as all those who dedicate themselves to help & give their love to Autistic children! 

 

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Our Supporters

  • Ellen Onorata Go T-man Go! Love Mrs. Ellen June 2017 $25.00
  • Anonymous Go Tman & Team... "Smash It" today! June 2017 $50.00
  • Aunt Lulu Fischer Good Luck Byrnes Family June 2017
  • Jeff & Edan Holmes Go Byrnes Family!!! June 2017 $25.00
  • Jason Gribbin May 2017 $25.00
  • Anonymous Go Tman & Team... "Smash It" today! June 2017 $50.00
  • mark leszcz May 2017 $50.00
  • Sal & Family Lombardo May 2017 $40.00
  • Mary Lippincott May 2017 $35.00
  • Dawn Massa May 2017 $30.00