Editor’s Note: Family Time Magazine
is pleased to welcome our new blogger, Greg Zibricky whose 19-year-old son
Aaron suffers from autism. Zibricky is the president of Provider Group Wealth
Advisors and the author of “F.A.M.I.L.Y. Autism Guide: Your Financial
Blueprint.” Zibricky’s blog posts will hopefully be a valuable resource for
parents of children with autism and related disorders. Family Time Magazine
will host its annual Autism & Special Needs Seminar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 17 at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.
The event will feature expert speakers, as well as offer participants the
latest research, cutting-edge therapies, strategies for coping and networking
opportunities. Zibricky will be one of the many exhibitors on hand at the event to
provide a wealth of information about autism and special needs. For more
information about the seminar, visit www.familytimemagazine.com
or call us at (815) 806-8844. We hope to see you there!
-
Rex Robinson
Managing Editor
Family Time Magazine
 |
| Greg Zibricky |
My Son Aaron
Hope and Empowerment for Families
of Autistic Children
By Greg Zibricky
As I pen
this first blog installment regarding parenting a child with autism I can’t
stop thinking about the progress made and the many challenges that lie ahead.
Since my son’s diagnosis 15 years ago the incidence rate for autism has skyrocketed from 1 in 500 to a startling 1 in 88. Awareness has increased as well. National autism organizations, regional not-for-profit organizations and grass root parent groups have worked tirelessly to bring our plight into the mainstream. Films, bestselling books and television shows have featured characters and story lines showcasing the spectrum of developmental disabilities.
Is it really
different now?
Is it
“better”?
The goal
over the next several months is to share ideas, resources and success stories.
The focus will be empowerment while pursuing avenues to help our children meet
the future with pride and self-respect.
All of us
are concerned with our children’s future. Where will they live, work, play and
worship? In my
financial practice I use an acrostic, F.A.M.I.L.Y., to convey difficult
concepts and future planning concerns to assist families navigate money, insurance
and legal issues. I’ll share key elements and strategies.
My son has
benefited greatly by having a mom who is a nurse, active in the disability
community her whole career. Young parents who are dealt the challenges shared
by my family have a hard enough time without having a medical of financial
background.
What about
unplanned events and spontaneous invitations that look like fun? They are
inevitably met with a stern “I don’t want to go”. Social awkwardness and
knowing the inside joke won’t be understood can be frustrating. We want our kids to be fully accepted
by their peers. But wait a second. That’s on me, my problem! Raise the bar
Greg, refuse to accept self-imposed limitations and accept my son for who he
is. Many, many times I have repeated that message to myself.
What about the
school experience? Dealing with stress, bullies, teachers who don’t “get it”,
Individualized Education Plans, Transition issues……….YIKES!
What about
high school, college or a specialty school? Options are emerging at a rapid pace. We’ll stay tuned in.
The
Affordable Health Care Act, known by many as ObamaCare, gives kids like mine in
the autism community access to health care and essential services.
Unfortunately this progress may be punted away like a political football. Austerity measures and budget cuts loom, and they always
seems to impact the disability community disproportionately.
What are the
trends in housing and employment?
Besides
personal antidotes I will interview thought leaders in a wide range of
disciplines that work towards creating a brighter future through research and
discovery.
My son Aaron
will introduce himself and share insight to help other families looking for
guidance.
Maybe the
rest of the Zibricky’s will want to jump in too!
See you next
month.
Greg Zibricky’s book,“F.A.M.I.L.Y.
Autism Guide: Your Financial Blueprint for Autism,” is available at amazon.com. E-mail him at Greg@providergroup.com.
