My Blog
As I sat down this morning to write this piece, I began reflecting on the positive differences happened to us after my son received an Autism Diagnosis.
I’m a mother to a 7-year-old child with Autism, a Psychiatric Social Worker, and a Counselor.After my PhD degree in Social Work, I imagined about starting my career as a College Assistant Professor or a Social worker in a psychiatric setting. But my life today looks very different from what I once imagined because my son Zeki, who has Autism and is nonverbal, needs me in every moment.
When your child is diagnosed with autism, everything changes: your priorities, identity and your direction in life.
For a long time, I didn’t know where I fit in anymore. I thought, “What’s the use of my long awaited, hardship filled degrees if I can’t step outside of home with a peaceful mind even once..”He needed 24/7 support in all areas; basic needs, communication, daily routine, transitions, social interaction, sensory issues, sleeping and everything. It took years for him to say “Mamma” for the first time. Even more time to communicate his toilet indication in one word..!!
But looking back on my last 5+ years, our journey shaped me into something new. I started realizing the true purpose of my life and experience as a Mental Health Professional and as Zeki’s Mom.
Today, I use my professional training and my lived experience as a special-needs parent to support other families like ours. I work as a counselor in a clinic, where I currently see general cases and special parents. My mission, my heart and my purpose remain with special parents, especially Autism families, who often carry silent battles and unanswered questions.
About zeki_heartism, my small Instagram community; (very small actually..!!) every single parent who calls and messages me, who feels understood, who finds one moment of relief gives me enough reason to continue..
I’m here because I know how lonely and overwhelming this path can be.
And I’m here because I truly believe this journey becomes lighter when we walk together..!!
