We have a new Featured Parent to introduce you to!

 

Fun and Function: Who are you and your kids?

Emily Goldstein: I'm Emily Goldstein, and my daughter is Lilah, aged 9.

 

FF: What is the nature of their special needs?

EG: Autism.

 

FF: What would you say is your biggest challenge in raising a child with special needs?

EG: The biggest challenge is not with me raising a child with special needs. It's me listening and understanding her needs as she communicates them, even if they are not verbal. My child has done more "raising me" to learn patience and compassion. I have learned that her needs are "outside the box" and I can not label them. I must work with her and her comfort zones to help her be the best she can be.

 

FF: What would you say is your greatest joy in raising your child?

EG: My greatest joy has been watching my child prove doctors wrong. I was told when she was age 2 that I needed to face the reality that she would never speak and never be more than she was at that moment. I gave up my career and dedicated myself to helping my child every day,every moment... She is 9 and she speaks! She takes spelling and math exams at school. The biggest joy is that she is happy!

 

FF: What would you say has been the biggest help you in raising your kids?

EG: The greatest resource for parents with special needs is reaching out to other parents with special needs children. The more information we share, the more exposure we get to other methods to reach our children.

 

FF: Give us one tool you would hate to live without.

EG: LOVE. Love is the greatest tool in helping our children.

 

FF: If you could give one piece of advice to another parent who's child has just been diagnosed, what would it be?

EG: Surround yourself with other parents with children with that disability. Do not take it to heart when it seems your close friends and family don't understand. Truth be told, they don't and they just can't understand like other parents can with a child with a disability. Our families, we love them and they love us, but what we need and search for on this journey can be found from other parents going through the same as you. Don't be afraid to reach out and NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

 

Emily, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us and all the readers here at Fun and Function.

If you would like to be a featured parent or professional, just let us know!