A Mother's Day Special: Nothing Beats A Mother's Love

          God cannot be physically with us, so He gave us mothers. Every month of May, we celebrate Mother's day. It is part of our tradition to give our mothers the appreciation they deserve. Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear apron and dress. Mothers are all around superheroes - from making sure they would get up on time to catch our school classes in the morning down to reading us bed time stories, they are always there. But did you know that some mothers were given a special mission? And that is to provide love and care in a most special way to a child with special needs.

          We have asked a mother of a child with special needs about what is the best part about being a mother of a child with special needs. Get ready to be touched and be blessed by her story.
 
         "The best part of being the mom of my 8 year old child with special needs named Stan is when I gradually became sort of of a special mom, too, becoming more than the average. When he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2013, believe it or not, my husband and I took it calmly because way before then I was already sensing he was different. I was fascinated that he played his toys in a whole new way by lining them up. He was our firstborn so there was no way of comparing him with other kids then until we visited my brother's family and I observed them.

            After diagnosis that's when the challenges rose. Potty training was tedious done the usual ways of using a toilet seat and timing him. So I didn't realize before that I did a special thing to get him to the toilet: reading his body language on when he was about to pee or poo. He would squat to the ground and that was the cue for me to pick him up (while he's still squatting!) And carry him to the toilet seat! It was never easy because at 4 years old he used to dump on the floor and I would clean up after him. But having observed his habits helped me slowly change his routine in the other things that he used to do. At 6 years old,  he could eat his meals independently, and now he can get his own food, eat by himself, and put his dishes in the sink.
         
         In short, I became sort of special with heightened sensitivity and observation, and this helped me help other autism families when they're facing similar challenges and more. I am a moderator in a Facebook group called Super ASD Parents PH and I share my experiences and some advice based on those experiences.

​            SMLC has become part Stan's life since June 2016, and this made our journey extra special and extraordinary. Stan's therapist and branch owner in Habay are very helpful and insightful as to how I can do more for him at home. ABA has truly helped us because there is a systematic way of doing his therapy. From the assessment to the tasks and tabulated feedback I get a clear picture of Stan's progress so far, and now that I am battling Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma SMLC has become more involved in his journey while I am having my own. And having a partner in SMLC is another best part of my being a mom of a special-needs child."

         Truly, a mother can conquer all for her child. The story of Mommy Lyn Lozada and Stan of SMLC Habay Branch is a clear picture of 'Nothing beats a mother's love'. Happy Mother's Day!