Letting Go! The Journey back to Grace and Dignity. Finding balance after the diagnosis by Mary Romaniec

Along the road toward recovery, a parent/caregiver finds their sense of grace and dignity has taken a back seat to the health and well being of their child. The parents' health suffers, as often does the marriage. Family dynamics are changed and challenged. This presentation will alert parents/caregivers to the odyssey toward their child's recovery and the toll it can potentially take on the caregivers' health and marriage. The presentation will offer well-honed strategies to stay connected as a couple, stay connected to the other children in the family and provide a sense of relief over the everyday stresses that come with the autism diagnosis. The topics discussed in this presentation are not commonly covered in autism conferences but are still very much a part of the autism diagnosis. It is recommended for parents feeling the daily stress due to the demands associated with their child's autism. It is also recommended for couples who are seeking a different perspective on how to overcome the toll autism has placed on their marriage. Traditional marriage counselors are not equipped to address the unique issues that arise after a child has been diagnosed. The strategies discussed in this presentation will be sure to put a smile on the face of all who attend as they find the tools to "balance" after the diagnosis.

Mary Romaniec is a recognized authority and speaker on the subject of autism. Her own son's recovery from autism has inspired her to take on the role of mentor, writer and speaker. When her own son, Daniel, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 months, she soon learned how little the medical community understood about this disorder, which has been claiming children in unprecedented numbers all over the world. Driven by a sense of urgency, Mary began long nights of researching the Internet, speaking with other parents and attending conferences that discussed ways to treat autism. Contrary to the widespread myth that children cannot be treated successfully for autism, Mary was able to unlock the door that led her son to be declared recovered by the age of four. Along the way, Mary began reaching out to other parents who were just beginning the journey toward recovery for their children. As a mentor, she authored the 10 week GFCF diet calendar, which is in wide use in the autism community on various websites and quoted as a valuable tool in Jenny McCarthy's book, Louder than Words. She has also written other articles on the topics of IEP negotiation, marriage topics and care for the caregiver. Her articles have appeared in Mothering Magazine, Autism/Asperger Digest, Autism Today and Journeys Magazine as well as other autism-related websites.