Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to another episode oftake care of time, the tales and
(00:03):
exhales of caregivers.
I am your host, Beverly Nance.
As we reached the end of autismawareness acceptance month.
It's important to reflect onwhat we've learned and how we
can carry forward the spirit ofunderstanding and support
throughout the year.
Today we dwelve into a deeplypersonal and often hidden aspect
of autism.
Caregiving.
(00:24):
We explore the immense pressuresand challenges faced by parents
and the crucial need forcomprehensive support systems.
Let's continue to buildawareness, foster acceptance.
And push for actionable changein how we support autistic
individuals and their familiesevery day.
You will not find this type ofstory on any hallmark channel.
(00:44):
Or on any network because itdwelves into the raw often
unspoken realities that manyfamilies face daily.
This episode aims to shine alight on the deep and complex
Emotions involved in caring fora child with autism.
We're addressing difficultconversations about mental
health struggles, the sense ofisolation and the immense
(01:05):
responsibility that caregiverscarry on their shoulders.
It's about bringing to theforefront, the stories that are
typically left in the shadows,providing a platform for
understanding and empathy thattranscends the often idealized
narratives presented inmainstream media Before we begin
today's episode.
We want to acknowledge that thecontent may be particularly
(01:26):
sensitive for some listeners, asit discusses themes of mental
health crisis including thoughtsof self-harm and suicide.
Please consider whether this isthe right time for you to listen
to such content.
If you or someone, you know, isstruggling, we encourage seeking
support from mental healthprofessionals.
Resources and contactinformation for help, will be
(01:47):
provided at the end of thisepisode.
Your wellbeing as important, andwe urge you to take care of your
mental health as you join ustoday.
and don't forget to subscribefor more.
(02:25):
It was a muggy July evening in2014.
The kind where the air feltthick enough to swim through.
Inside Oakland hospital theatmosphere.
Was just as oppressive.
With the relentless buzz ofactivity and the undercurrent of
urgency that always accompanieda late shift.
Mia Flores, glanced at theclock.
Just a few more hours to go.
(02:47):
She rubbed her temples, feelingthe onset of a headache that had
been threatening all day.
As Mia moved through her rounds.
Her thoughts were turbulent.
Each interaction with patientand staff was mechanically
precise.
Her training taken over when herfocus wavered.
But beneath the routineexchanges.
(03:07):
And clinical smiles.
Mia's mind was elsewhere.
It wandered back to her son,Jamie, who have been more
withdrawn lately?
His smiles fewer at hisfrustrations and outbursts more
frequent.
Her heart ached for him.
Was life always going to be thishard for him.
She thought.
Was he destined to never have afriend to ever live on his own.
(03:31):
Mia was tired.
I wanted out.
She wanted a normal life.
She wanted to sleep eight hours.
She wanted to enjoy normalfriendships and enjoy normal
career promotions.
But here she was stuck in thehospital.
Working nights.
Administering medications.
Checking vital signs andplastering on a facade of
composure.
(03:53):
In the medication room, Mia'shands trembled.
As she prepared doses for herpatients, the vials of
sedatives.
Painkillers and antidepressantslined up neatly on her cart, a
stark reminder of her owngrowing dependence on stolen
moments of peace from these verymedications.
As she pocketed a small bottleof sedatives.
(04:13):
Flash of shame serves throughher, this wasn't her.
This wasn't the nurse or themother.
She wanted to be.
But exhaustion, depression andstress had he erroded, her
resolve.
And desperation whispered thatit was the only way to make it.
Three months ago.
Mia had begun secreting away,small amounts of sedatives and
(04:34):
painkillers.
From her patients,prescriptions.
After the doctor's issuance.
Review.
Preparation.
Dispensing retrieval andverification.
And before the administration tothe patient, Mia stole a small
amount for herself.
She documented and monitored asusual and so far.
So good.
(04:55):
Mia always dreamed of being anurse.
She had a heart for service toothers.
And she knows exactly where herlife took a turn for the worst
for her.
Mia shift ended in a blur.
She signed out her mind, foggyher steps.
Automatic.
As she walked to her car.
The night air felt like a slapinterface.
jolting and her back to reality.
(05:16):
She paused leaning against hercar as a stolen vials, pressed
against her thigh in her pocket.
She opened her trunk and hit thevials in the wheel-well with the
rest of the vials that she hadbeen stealing for three months.
In that quiet parking garageunder the faint glow of the
lights, Mia ponder the decisionthat she made three months ago.
(05:36):
Mia dialed her husband Ken hervoice steadier than she felt.
I need to tell you somethingimportant when I get home mia
said Mia.
I can't talk to you right now.
Are you on your way?
Jamie is having anotherbreakdown.
Mika here, Jamie in thebackground.
Mia's heart was heavy as she satin her car, the engine Eileen
softly in the background.
(05:58):
She held her phone to her ear.
And immediately she heard thesound.
She had been reading all day,the unmistakable cacophony of
Jamie's distress, echoingthrough her ears.
Hey, Mia, are you there?
Are you on your way?
Ken's voice was tense, frayed atthe edges for managing the
situation alone.
I can hear him.
(06:18):
Cut in her voice, a whisper.
It makes a worry and weariness.
What happened this time?
Ken sighed the sound heavy anddefeated.
He had a meltdown right afterschool.
It's been a rough Mia.
Uh, he wouldn't calm down, notwith their usual routines.
I've tried everything.
Mia listened her gaze fixed onthe dashboard imagining Jamie's
(06:40):
frustrated tears.
His sense of overwhelmingconfusion that she knew all too
well, but felt powerless tosoothe from afar.
Any small change in his normalroutine and Jamie fell apart.
Which means all of us fallapart.
Jamie is nonverbal.
So he can't tell us what iswrong.
There was a pause and Mia feltthe weight of the next words,
(07:02):
like a physical burden.
Ken.
I, I don't know if I can comehome tonight.
The admission felt like abetrayal.
Her role as a mother warringwith exhaustion and despair.
That clawed at her insides.
Mia what do you mean?
Ken's confusion was palpable Weneed you.
Jamie needs.
You.
(07:24):
Tears stung Mia's eyes.
Blurring the parking lot lightsinto halos of soft gold.
I know it's killing me.
But I'm not okay, Ken, I'mreally not.
She confessed the true spillingout in a rush.
If I come home now in thisstate, I won't be the help that
you and Jamie need.
I might make things worse.
(07:45):
Ken was silent for a moment.
Processing her words.
What are you saying?
I'm you talk to me?
I have been struggling Ken morethan, you know, it's gotten bad.
I've been taking medicationsjust to get through the day.
The confession was a relief.
And a new kind of pain all atonce.
(08:05):
Ken's voice softened.
Oh, Mia.
Why didn't you say somethingsooner?
Because I'm supposed to be thestrong one Mia replied.
a sob catching in her throat.
But I can't do it anymore.
We need help, Ken, I need help,but there is no help.
It wasn't supposed to be thisway.
I'm just so tired.
(08:26):
I'm tired of going withoutsleep.
I'm tired of having to worknights.
I'm just tired of everything.
I just need a break.
She confessed the truth spillingout in the rush.
Kim was silent for a momentprocessing her words.
What are you saying?
Talk to me.
Okay.
What do you want to do?
You want to spend the night atyour mom's?
(08:46):
Mia sobbing.
Yes, I can't do this tonight.
I'm tired.
Okay, Mia.
Mia we'll manage tonight.
Call me when you get there.
So I know that you made it.
Okay.
Mia hung up.
Her decision made.
Mia exits the parking garage andheads north.
She passes the library where sheain't Ken met.
(09:06):
Seeing the library.
She is drawn into the day thatshe first met Ken Flores.
Mia Carta Garcia.
was always drawn to the quietsolace of libraries.
As a nursing student at UCBerkeley, she spent countless
hours nestled among the books.
Her studies often veery towardsholistic health practices.
It was during one of theseserene afternoons that her path
(09:29):
cross with Kim Flores in amatter, neither of them had
predicted.
Ken at the time was anentrepreneurial spirit hustling
through his business degree.
Always on the lookout for newventures and opportunities.
That particular day, he venturedinto the library, seeking a
quiet corner to refine hislatest business plan.
It concept revolving aroundeco-friendly transportation
(09:51):
solutions.
If a fleet of electric trucksfor local businesses, aiming to
reduce their carbon footprint.
They're meeting was result of asimple mix up.
Ken absorbed in his spreadsheetsand projections accidentally
gathered some of me his papersalong with his own, during a
moment of absentmindedness Whenhe later opened his folder at a
nearby cafe, he realized themistake among his business
(10:14):
analyses.
were detailed notes on thebenefits of aromatherapy and
stress reduction Clearly notpart of his domain.
Amuse and intrigue can return tothe library, hoping to find the
owner.
Spotting Mia, clearly distressedsearching for her to shoveled
notes.
Ken approached papers in handwith the cheapest grin.
(10:35):
You looking for these.
Ken's voice broke through me asgrowing anxiety, surprised and
relieved.
Mia looked up.
to see a stranger extending herloss notes.
Gratitude quickly turned intoconversation as Mia thanked him
and they began to chat abouttheir respective fields of
study.
Their initial exchange sparked aconnection as soon deepen
(10:55):
through shared interests insustainability and wellness.
Kim was fascinated by me aspassion for holistic health.
A concept he considered for hisfuture employees, wellness
programs Mia intern, appreciatedKen's innovative approach to
business and its commitment toenvironmental sustainability.
As their years at the universityunfolded.
(11:18):
Mia and Ken found themselvescollaborating on various
projects, blending theirexpertise, mia introduced
wellness programs into Ken'sbusiness plans while Keon helped
me, uh, I understand thebusiness aspect of healthcare.
Their partnership flourishedboth professionally and
personally.
By the time they graduated, theywere not just business
collaborators, but lifepartners.
(11:39):
Their relationship rooted inmutual respect and shared
visions.
After graduation can launched iseco-friendly truck fleet with
Mia developing an onsitewellness program for the
company's drivers.
They married.
Committed not only to eachother.
But to their shared goal ofmaking a positive impact on the
world.
(11:59):
Their journey.
Wasn't just a love story.
It was a partnership that buildsbridges between health and
business.
Proving that when the rightpeople come together, They can
create something trulytransformative.
A couple of years after theymarried, Jamie was born seven
pounds and one ounce.
The early, most of Jamie's lifewere filled with typical
challenges.
(12:20):
on new parenthood, sleeplessnights and endless diapers But
also moments of profound loveand connection.
However, as Jamie grew, me andKim began to notice that his
development was not followingthe typical patterns.
Jamie didn't respond to hisname.
Avoided eye contact and seemedunusually disturbed by loud
noises and busy environments.
(12:43):
But at the time, Jamie was tothe concerns that me and Ken
harbored can no longer bedismissed.
After several consultations andassessments with pediatric
specialists, Jamie was diagnosedwith autism spectrum disorder.
This diagnosis came as a shock.
Yet it also provided a frameworkfor understanding Jamie's unique
needs and behaviors.
(13:03):
The diagnosis.
Martha is significant turningpoint for me and Ken.
He bought clarity, but it alsobought a new set of challenges
and responsibilities that theyhad not anticipated.
The dreams that they hadharbored for their son had to be
adjusted to fit his needs andpotential.
I determined to provide Jamiewith the best support and
opportunities.
(13:23):
Mia and can dove into learningeverything they could about
autism.
They attended workshops, joinsupport groups.
And adapted their home to bemore accommodating to Jamie
sensory, sensitivities Mia, withher background in nursing and
holistic health researchtherapies that could compliment.
Jamie's prescribed treatments,integrating techniques like
(13:43):
aroma therapy and structuredplay into his daily routine.
As years past the challenges ofraising a child with autism did
not diminish.
But Mia and Ken's ability tohandle them grew.
They learned to celebrate Jamiesmall victories, a new word.
A moment of connection, assuccessful adaption to a slight
change.
In his routine.
(14:05):
Each achievement was a Testamentto Jamie's resilience and to
their own.
Ken's business provided theflexibility needed to attend
Jamie's appointments andtherapies.
And me as night shift work atthe hospital, kept her at the
forefront of emerging healthcare strategies that could
benefit Jamie.
They're home became a hub ofwarmth and understanding it
plays for Jamie.
Could feel safe and loved.
(14:26):
However Jamie's autism resourcesonly grew less as he grew older.
Jamie was now having seizuresand aggressive behavior.
He has to be locked in the houseto prevent him from leaving at
night, he pulls out his hair.
He destroys his bedroom.
There's a padlock on therefrigerator.
He has outgrown Mia and she cannot handle him without putting
(14:47):
herself in harm's way.
He doesn't sleep regularly andhe is prone to leaving school.
If not watched.
A car honked his horn and bringsme up out of her thoughts.
She continues to pass a libraryand heads to a hotel.
Join us next week on take careof time, the tales and exhales
of caregivers as we explore theaftermath of Mia's night away.
(15:09):
We'll delve into the crucialrole of self care for caregivers
and often unspoken challengesthey face and the impact of
these pressures on familydynamics.
We'll also hear from experts onstrategies for managing
caregiver stress.
And the importance of communitysupport.
Don't miss this importantcontinuation of our series.
As we shed light on therealities.
(15:30):
Many caregivers face and thepathways to resilience and
recovery.
If you or someone, you know, isexperiencing thoughts of
suicide.
He is crucial to seek helpimmediately.
We recommend the nationalsuicide prevention lifeline.
Their website is suicideprevention, lifeline.org.
This lifeline provides 24 7 freeand confidential support for
(15:52):
people in distress, as well asprevention and crisis resources
for you and your loved ones.
For those of you who are outsidethe United States.
Please reach out to your localmental health services or crisis
hotlines.
Immediate help is vital andavailable.
Are you interested in learningmore about autism?
Here are some facts.
The centers for disease controland prevention.
(16:13):
The CDC reports thatapproximately one in 36 children
in the United States wereidentified with autism spectrum
disorder, according to their2020 data.
Most children.
Are still being diagnosed afterage four, although ASD can be
diagnosed as early as age two.
Early diagnosis and preventionare critical and can
(16:34):
significantly improve outcomes.
ASD autism spectrum disorder.
Is about four times more commonamong boys than along girls.
This disparity.
Has been consistent in variousstudies and reports over the
years.
Families with children with ASD.
on average incur significantlyhigher medical expenses compared
(16:55):
to families.
Without additionally, there aresubstantial costs associated
with special education.
and care needed.
for individuals, with autism.
It is common for children andadults with ASD to have
co-occurring conditions, such asADHD.
Anxiety disorder, epilepsy, ordepression.
which can complicate diagnosisand treatment.
(17:18):
Diagnosis rates and access toservices.
Can vary significantly acrossdifferent racial and ethnic
groups with concerns aboutunder-diagnosis or later
diagnosis in some communitiespotentially due to disparities
in access to healthcare servicesor cultural biases These
statistics are based on the mostrecent data available from the
(17:40):
CDC and other healthinstitutions reflecting the
prevalence and characteristicsof autism.
To help inform policies,interventions, and supports.
Please note that this episodefeatures reenactments and
dramatize details.
While the most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
Oh, traumatizations are groundedin research.
(18:01):
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
involved names and someidentifying details have been
changed.
Do you have an interestingcaregiver story that you would
like to have sold?
Please email us at.
podcasts@takecareoftime.com.
We would love to hear from you.
During life storms, finding amoment to pause.
(18:23):
I can feel like a distant dream.
This is why we created the takeyour time and respite box
designed specifically forcaregivers who give so much of
themselves every day.
Each take care of time andrespite boxes, fill it with
curated items to sooth, uplift,and reinvigorate From aromatic
stress relief candles.
(18:44):
and luxourus bath salts toherbal teas and custom journal
for your thoughts..
Every element is chosen withcare and intention.
So scribe today and giveyourself or a caregiver, you
know, the gift of awell-deserved break because
taking care of others.
Begins with taking care ofyourself.
Visit take your time.com toorder your, take your time
(19:05):
respite box.
Because everyone deserves amoment to breathe.
Until next week, take care.
and don't forget to subscribefor more.
Welcome to another episode oftake care of time, the tales and
(00:03):
exhales of caregivers.
I am your host, Beverly Nance.
As we reached the end of autismawareness acceptance month.
It's important to reflect onwhat we've learned and how we
can carry forward the spirit ofunderstanding and support
throughout the year.
Today we dwelve into a deeplypersonal and often hidden aspect
of autism.
Caregiving.
(00:24):
We explore the immense pressuresand challenges faced by parents
and the crucial need forcomprehensive support systems.
Let's continue to buildawareness, foster acceptance.
And push for actionable changein how we support autistic
individuals and their familiesevery day.
You will not find this type ofstory on any hallmark channel.
(00:44):
Or on any network because itdwelves into the raw often
unspoken realities that manyfamilies face daily.
This episode aims to shine alight on the deep and complex
Emotions involved in caring fora child with autism.
We're addressing difficultconversations about mental
health struggles, the sense ofisolation and the immense
(01:05):
responsibility that caregiverscarry on their shoulders.
It's about bringing to theforefront, the stories that are
typically left in the shadows,providing a platform for
understanding and empathy thattranscends the often idealized
narratives presented inmainstream media Before we begin
today's episode.
We want to acknowledge that thecontent may be particularly
(01:26):
sensitive for some listeners, asit discusses themes of mental
health crisis including thoughtsof self-harm and suicide.
Please consider whether this isthe right time for you to listen
to such content.
If you or someone, you know, isstruggling, we encourage seeking
support from mental healthprofessionals.
Resources and contactinformation for help, will be
(01:47):
provided at the end of thisepisode.
Your wellbeing as important, andwe urge you to take care of your
mental health as you join ustoday.
and don't forget to subscribefor more.
(02:25):
It was a muggy July evening in2014.
The kind where the air feltthick enough to swim through.
Inside Oakland hospital theatmosphere.
Was just as oppressive.
With the relentless buzz ofactivity and the undercurrent of
urgency that always accompanieda late shift.
Mia Flores, glanced at theclock.
Just a few more hours to go.
(02:47):
She rubbed her temples, feelingthe onset of a headache that had
been threatening all day.
As Mia moved through her rounds.
Her thoughts were turbulent.
Each interaction with patientand staff was mechanically
precise.
Her training taken over when herfocus wavered.
But beneath the routineexchanges.
(03:07):
And clinical smiles.
Mia's mind was elsewhere.
It wandered back to her son,Jamie, who have been more
withdrawn lately?
His smiles fewer at hisfrustrations and outbursts more
frequent.
Her heart ached for him.
Was life always going to be thishard for him.
She thought.
Was he destined to never have afriend to ever live on his own.
(03:31):
Mia was tired.
I wanted out.
She wanted a normal life.
She wanted to sleep eight hours.
She wanted to enjoy normalfriendships and enjoy normal
career promotions.
But here she was stuck in thehospital.
Working nights.
Administering medications.
Checking vital signs andplastering on a facade of
composure.
(03:53):
In the medication room, Mia'shands trembled.
As she prepared doses for herpatients, the vials of
sedatives.
Painkillers and antidepressantslined up neatly on her cart, a
stark reminder of her owngrowing dependence on stolen
moments of peace from these verymedications.
As she pocketed a small bottleof sedatives.
(04:13):
Flash of shame serves throughher, this wasn't her.
This wasn't the nurse or themother.
She wanted to be.
But exhaustion, depression andstress had he erroded, her
resolve.
And desperation whispered thatit was the only way to make it.
Three months ago.
Mia had begun secreting away,small amounts of sedatives and
(04:34):
painkillers.
From her patients,prescriptions.
After the doctor's issuance.
Review.
Preparation.
Dispensing retrieval andverification.
And before the administration tothe patient, Mia stole a small
amount for herself.
She documented and monitored asusual and so far.
So good.
(04:55):
Mia always dreamed of being anurse.
She had a heart for service toothers.
And she knows exactly where herlife took a turn for the worst
for her.
Mia shift ended in a blur.
She signed out her mind, foggyher steps.
Automatic.
As she walked to her car.
The night air felt like a slapinterface.
jolting and her back to reality.
(05:16):
She paused leaning against hercar as a stolen vials, pressed
against her thigh in her pocket.
She opened her trunk and hit thevials in the wheel-well with the
rest of the vials that she hadbeen stealing for three months.
In that quiet parking garageunder the faint glow of the
lights, Mia ponder the decisionthat she made three months ago.
(05:36):
Mia dialed her husband Ken hervoice steadier than she felt.
I need to tell you somethingimportant when I get home mia
said Mia.
I can't talk to you right now.
Are you on your way?
Jamie is having anotherbreakdown.
Mika here, Jamie in thebackground.
Mia's heart was heavy as she satin her car, the engine Eileen
softly in the background.
(05:58):
She held her phone to her ear.
And immediately she heard thesound.
She had been reading all day,the unmistakable cacophony of
Jamie's distress, echoingthrough her ears.
Hey, Mia, are you there?
Are you on your way?
Ken's voice was tense, frayed atthe edges for managing the
situation alone.
I can hear him.
(06:18):
Cut in her voice, a whisper.
It makes a worry and weariness.
What happened this time?
Ken sighed the sound heavy anddefeated.
He had a meltdown right afterschool.
It's been a rough Mia.
Uh, he wouldn't calm down, notwith their usual routines.
I've tried everything.
Mia listened her gaze fixed onthe dashboard imagining Jamie's
(06:40):
frustrated tears.
His sense of overwhelmingconfusion that she knew all too
well, but felt powerless tosoothe from afar.
Any small change in his normalroutine and Jamie fell apart.
Which means all of us fallapart.
Jamie is nonverbal.
So he can't tell us what iswrong.
There was a pause and Mia feltthe weight of the next words,
(07:02):
like a physical burden.
Ken.
I, I don't know if I can comehome tonight.
The admission felt like abetrayal.
Her role as a mother warringwith exhaustion and despair.
That clawed at her insides.
Mia what do you mean?
Ken's confusion was palpable Weneed you.
Jamie needs.
You.
(07:24):
Tears stung Mia's eyes.
Blurring the parking lot lightsinto halos of soft gold.
I know it's killing me.
But I'm not okay, Ken, I'mreally not.
She confessed the true spillingout in a rush.
If I come home now in thisstate, I won't be the help that
you and Jamie need.
I might make things worse.
(07:45):
Ken was silent for a moment.
Processing her words.
What are you saying?
I'm you talk to me?
I have been struggling Ken morethan, you know, it's gotten bad.
I've been taking medicationsjust to get through the day.
The confession was a relief.
And a new kind of pain all atonce.
(08:05):
Ken's voice softened.
Oh, Mia.
Why didn't you say somethingsooner?
Because I'm supposed to be thestrong one Mia replied.
a sob catching in her throat.
But I can't do it anymore.
We need help, Ken, I need help,but there is no help.
It wasn't supposed to be thisway.
I'm just so tired.
(08:26):
I'm tired of going withoutsleep.
I'm tired of having to worknights.
I'm just tired of everything.
I just need a break.
She confessed the truth spillingout in the rush.
Kim was silent for a momentprocessing her words.
What are you saying?
Talk to me.
Okay.
What do you want to do?
You want to spend the night atyour mom's?
(08:46):
Mia sobbing.
Yes, I can't do this tonight.
I'm tired.
Okay, Mia.
Mia we'll manage tonight.
Call me when you get there.
So I know that you made it.
Okay.
Mia hung up.
Her decision made.
Mia exits the parking garage andheads north.
She passes the library where sheain't Ken met.
(09:06):
Seeing the library.
She is drawn into the day thatshe first met Ken Flores.
Mia Carta Garcia.
was always drawn to the quietsolace of libraries.
As a nursing student at UCBerkeley, she spent countless
hours nestled among the books.
Her studies often veery towardsholistic health practices.
It was during one of theseserene afternoons that her path
(09:29):
cross with Kim Flores in amatter, neither of them had
predicted.
Ken at the time was anentrepreneurial spirit hustling
through his business degree.
Always on the lookout for newventures and opportunities.
That particular day, he venturedinto the library, seeking a
quiet corner to refine hislatest business plan.
It concept revolving aroundeco-friendly transportation
(09:51):
solutions.
If a fleet of electric trucksfor local businesses, aiming to
reduce their carbon footprint.
They're meeting was result of asimple mix up.
Ken absorbed in his spreadsheetsand projections accidentally
gathered some of me his papersalong with his own, during a
moment of absentmindedness Whenhe later opened his folder at a
nearby cafe, he realized themistake among his business
(10:14):
analyses.
were detailed notes on thebenefits of aromatherapy and
stress reduction Clearly notpart of his domain.
Amuse and intrigue can return tothe library, hoping to find the
owner.
Spotting Mia, clearly distressedsearching for her to shoveled
notes.
Ken approached papers in handwith the cheapest grin.
(10:35):
You looking for these.
Ken's voice broke through me asgrowing anxiety, surprised and
relieved.
Mia looked up.
to see a stranger extending herloss notes.
Gratitude quickly turned intoconversation as Mia thanked him
and they began to chat abouttheir respective fields of
study.
Their initial exchange sparked aconnection as soon deepen
(10:55):
through shared interests insustainability and wellness.
Kim was fascinated by me aspassion for holistic health.
A concept he considered for hisfuture employees, wellness
programs Mia intern, appreciatedKen's innovative approach to
business and its commitment toenvironmental sustainability.
As their years at the universityunfolded.
(11:18):
Mia and Ken found themselvescollaborating on various
projects, blending theirexpertise, mia introduced
wellness programs into Ken'sbusiness plans while Keon helped
me, uh, I understand thebusiness aspect of healthcare.
Their partnership flourishedboth professionally and
personally.
By the time they graduated, theywere not just business
collaborators, but lifepartners.
(11:39):
Their relationship rooted inmutual respect and shared
visions.
After graduation can launched iseco-friendly truck fleet with
Mia developing an onsitewellness program for the
company's drivers.
They married.
Committed not only to eachother.
But to their shared goal ofmaking a positive impact on the
world.
(11:59):
Their journey.
Wasn't just a love story.
It was a partnership that buildsbridges between health and
business.
Proving that when the rightpeople come together, They can
create something trulytransformative.
A couple of years after theymarried, Jamie was born seven
pounds and one ounce.
The early, most of Jamie's lifewere filled with typical
challenges.
(12:20):
on new parenthood, sleeplessnights and endless diapers But
also moments of profound loveand connection.
However, as Jamie grew, me andKim began to notice that his
development was not followingthe typical patterns.
Jamie didn't respond to hisname.
Avoided eye contact and seemedunusually disturbed by loud
noises and busy environments.
(12:43):
But at the time, Jamie was tothe concerns that me and Ken
harbored can no longer bedismissed.
After several consultations andassessments with pediatric
specialists, Jamie was diagnosedwith autism spectrum disorder.
This diagnosis came as a shock.
Yet it also provided a frameworkfor understanding Jamie's unique
needs and behaviors.
(13:03):
The diagnosis.
Martha is significant turningpoint for me and Ken.
He bought clarity, but it alsobought a new set of challenges
and responsibilities that theyhad not anticipated.
The dreams that they hadharbored for their son had to be
adjusted to fit his needs andpotential.
I determined to provide Jamiewith the best support and
opportunities.
(13:23):
Mia and can dove into learningeverything they could about
autism.
They attended workshops, joinsupport groups.
And adapted their home to bemore accommodating to Jamie
sensory, sensitivities Mia, withher background in nursing and
holistic health researchtherapies that could compliment.
Jamie's prescribed treatments,integrating techniques like
(13:43):
aroma therapy and structuredplay into his daily routine.
As years past the challenges ofraising a child with autism did
not diminish.
But Mia and Ken's ability tohandle them grew.
They learned to celebrate Jamiesmall victories, a new word.
A moment of connection, assuccessful adaption to a slight
change.
In his routine.
(14:05):
Each achievement was a Testamentto Jamie's resilience and to
their own.
Ken's business provided theflexibility needed to attend
Jamie's appointments andtherapies.
And me as night shift work atthe hospital, kept her at the
forefront of emerging healthcare strategies that could
benefit Jamie.
They're home became a hub ofwarmth and understanding it
plays for Jamie.
Could feel safe and loved.
(14:26):
However Jamie's autism resourcesonly grew less as he grew older.
Jamie was now having seizuresand aggressive behavior.
He has to be locked in the houseto prevent him from leaving at
night, he pulls out his hair.
He destroys his bedroom.
There's a padlock on therefrigerator.
He has outgrown Mia and she cannot handle him without putting
(14:47):
herself in harm's way.
He doesn't sleep regularly andhe is prone to leaving school.
If not watched.
A car honked his horn and bringsme up out of her thoughts.
She continues to pass a libraryand heads to a hotel.
Join us next week on take careof time, the tales and exhales
of caregivers as we explore theaftermath of Mia's night away.
(15:09):
We'll delve into the crucialrole of self care for caregivers
and often unspoken challengesthey face and the impact of
these pressures on familydynamics.
We'll also hear from experts onstrategies for managing
caregiver stress.
And the importance of communitysupport.
Don't miss this importantcontinuation of our series.
As we shed light on therealities.
(15:30):
Many caregivers face and thepathways to resilience and
recovery.
If you or someone, you know, isexperiencing thoughts of
suicide.
He is crucial to seek helpimmediately.
We recommend the nationalsuicide prevention lifeline.
Their website is suicideprevention, lifeline.org.
This lifeline provides 24 7 freeand confidential support for
(15:52):
people in distress, as well asprevention and crisis resources
for you and your loved ones.
For those of you who are outsidethe United States.
Please reach out to your localmental health services or crisis
hotlines.
Immediate help is vital andavailable.
Are you interested in learningmore about autism?
Here are some facts.
The centers for disease controland prevention.
(16:13):
The CDC reports thatapproximately one in 36 children
in the United States wereidentified with autism spectrum
disorder, according to their2020 data.
Most children.
Are still being diagnosed afterage four, although ASD can be
diagnosed as early as age two.
Early diagnosis and preventionare critical and can
(16:34):
significantly improve outcomes.
ASD autism spectrum disorder.
Is about four times more commonamong boys than along girls.
This disparity.
Has been consistent in variousstudies and reports over the
years.
Families with children with ASD.
on average incur significantlyhigher medical expenses compared
(16:55):
to families.
Without additionally, there aresubstantial costs associated
with special education.
and care needed.
for individuals, with autism.
It is common for children andadults with ASD to have
co-occurring conditions, such asADHD.
Anxiety disorder, epilepsy, ordepression.
which can complicate diagnosisand treatment.
(17:18):
Diagnosis rates and access toservices.
Can vary significantly acrossdifferent racial and ethnic
groups with concerns aboutunder-diagnosis or later
diagnosis in some communitiespotentially due to disparities
in access to healthcare servicesor cultural biases These
statistics are based on the mostrecent data available from the
(17:40):
CDC and other healthinstitutions reflecting the
prevalence and characteristicsof autism.
To help inform policies,interventions, and supports.
Please note that this episodefeatures reenactments and
dramatize details.
While the most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
Oh, traumatizations are groundedin research.
(18:01):
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
involved names and someidentifying details have been
changed.
Do you have an interestingcaregiver story that you would
like to have sold?
Please email us at.
podcasts@takecareoftime.com.
We would love to hear from you.
During life storms, finding amoment to pause.
(18:23):
I can feel like a distant dream.
This is why we created the takeyour time and respite box
designed specifically forcaregivers who give so much of
themselves every day.
Each take care of time andrespite boxes, fill it with
curated items to sooth, uplift,and reinvigorate From aromatic
stress relief candles.
(18:44):
and luxourus bath salts toherbal teas and custom journal
for your thoughts..
Every element is chosen withcare and intention.
So scribe today and giveyourself or a caregiver, you
know, the gift of awell-deserved break because
taking care of others.
Begins with taking care ofyourself.
Visit take your time.com toorder your, take your time
(19:05):
respite box.
Because everyone deserves amoment to breathe.
Until next week, take care.
and don't forget to subscribefor more.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!