You are exactly what your child needs! 

Was your child recently diagnosed with Autism? 

• Are you feeling overwhelmed? 
• Confused?
• Scared? 
• Sad? 
• Angry? 
• Upset?

 
You are EXACTLY what your child needs!
 
You may feel like you are not prepared or equipped to deal with everything that is going on. But let me tell you that, that is not true, and you are exactly what your child needs.
 
It may not feel like it right now, but you are equipped with the skills and tools you need to be an amazing parent for your child who was recently diagnosed with Autism.

I have had parents reach out to me and tell me how they feel guilty when their child receives a diagnosis of Autism as they feel they did something wrong or they did not do enough. In addition, they feel overwhelmed thinking about what Autism means for both their child and their family. 
 
I want to validate your feelings and tell you that you did not do anything wrong, and it is ok to feel upset, angry, frustrated, scared, confused, sad, or any other feelings you are feeling. Don’t feel that you have to pretend that “everything is ok” or that you “have it all together.” By doing those things it will cause us to have even more stress and will increase our feelings of anger and resentment. We need to get our feelings out, so they don’t build up inside of us. 
 
You will be an amazing parent for your child who was recently diagnosed with Autism and you are exactly what your child needs. Don’t doubt yourself.

Join our Free parent support group on Facebook where we discuss these topics so you can get the support you need. Click the photo below to join now!
 
I'll see you soon,
Michael Jankowski, MS, OTR/L

Happy New Year!

I truly hope you and your family are doing well.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

I know for me personally, 2020 caused me to do a lot of self-reflection into how I can best support parents who have a child that was recently diagnosed with Autism and how I can better support those in my local community.

In 2021, my goal for Flow Occupational Therapy continues to be to provide support, education, coaching, and empowerment for parents who recently found out their child has Autism. Specifically, my goals are to:

• ​Help increase your understanding of Autism.
• Provide a central location to get answers to your Autism related questions.
• Provide strategies to help you feel empowered as a parent.
• Provide parenting strategies that decrease the stress associated with parenting children with Autism.
• Provide strategies to help you and your partner see eye to eye when parenting your child.
• Provide strategies so your family can go on community outings, go to restaurants, and go on trips without meltdowns.
• Educate and inform you of what therapy services your child may benefit from.

In 2021, I will continue to work tirelessly on these goals.

What about you?
What are you looking forward to in 2021?

Leave a comment below, I would love to know what you are looking forward to in 2021.

​Michael Jankowski, MS, OTR/L