Dr. “Ali” Alisha Griffith is an Autism Mom, Communication Expert (Audiologist and Speech Pathologist), Best Selling Author, IGNITE Coach and Transformational Speaker and Trainer. She provides coaching to teach individuals and caregivers how to become effective listeners, foster stronger relationships and get ignited and focused.

Dr. Ali Griffith encourages parents and caregivers of children with Autism to take the necessary steps to “navigate this process called Autism”.

Step 1: Take a few minutes every day for YOU. Take a deep breath and try these relaxing principles every day. As an Aumazing Autism Mom to an 11-year-old, Dr. Griffith knows what it’s like to have a constant day to day whirlwind in her home. “My tip to you today is to create 5-10 minutes every day where you create a relaxed mind. Some people journal, meditate, or pray.” Dr. Griffith encourages everyone to find an outlet in order to find this relaxed state.

Why is this important? “When you are at an ease and a relaxed state or mindset then your child will come to where you are.” Remaining calm and matter-of-fact while a child scream does not come easily to anyone, least of all to someone already feeling unable to cope. Yet screaming back will likely only escalate the situation, spinning a child with little ability to self-regulate further out of control.

Dr. Griffith says, “This journey has its ups and downs and scary moments, but today we’re going to speak about you working on you. Create a few minutes for YOU.”

 Strategies for Success

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Journaling
  • Goal Setting
  • Join like-minded Groups on social media and online forums
  • Exercise

Step two: Setting your intentions. You may be asking yourself what Dr. Ali means by this. “Setting your intentions is writing down what you want to have accomplished whether it be today, this week or this year.” Dr. Griffith believes it’s important to write down what is you want to accomplish in the near future so you have a goal to aim for whether it be large or small such as booking three appointments for your child or not crying or getting impatient. Start creating and getting control back by setting these intentions on paper: create a to-do list or a chart and mark off when you achieve each goal you set for yourself. What is it you want out of your day, week or year? Write it down.

Step three: Accept your Aumazingness. Accept that this is your role, your a mom, grandma dad etc. your the person that is going to help make sense. It’s a heavy load to bear but you’re the one. Accept it. Once you begin to accept it you will start getting into motion. You won’t feel so helpless, it helps you to feel so out of control. And more into the fact that I’m going to accept whats happening here and my role in this.

Taking care of a child with Autism can be a rollercoaster, but you are not alone. Join Dr. Ali Griffith’s Facebook group to engage with other like minded moms as they go through the journey together.

Facebook.com/draligriffith

Need additional help? Dr. Griffith provides coaching to help you with this process.

 

Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. See if your child exhibits the early signs and symptoms.