When Rita Miceli received her son Giaci’s autism diagnosis, her world shifted - but it didn’t break. In the second part of this heartfelt conversation on Taking the Helm, Rita shares how her family navigated the uncertainty, fear, generational and cultural beliefs by building an unshakable foundation of love, support, and understanding.
Rita also reflects on sibling connection, self-care, the steps they took to build their son's independence and how she found peace knowing her son will always be supported. It’s a conversation filled with honesty, hope, and the powerful reminder that love can truly light the way.
💥 How do parents cope when they hear the diagnosis?
💥 How do we take care of ourselves and find strength rather than working at it from a point of weakness?
💥 Giaci's siblings adore him. What made this possible and how has he has made them better people?
💥 Giaci did not go to traditional high school. What did he do as an alternative that introduced him to the work world?
💥How did one TikTok post go viral and how does Giaci's social media posts give families a light at the end of the tunnel?
💥 How did his family prepare Giaci for his sister's wedding and the dance he had with her?
With over three decades of educational experience, Rita teaches in the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Program at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. Her family's journey has been highlighted in The Drive Magazine, on CTV News, and CBC National News. Rita is the past president of Autism Ontario (Windsor/Essex Chapter) and has published works on multiple platforms related to special needs and autism, including "A Call to Action" (Autism Matters) and "Words that Connect Us" (Canadian Authors Association).
More about Rita: https://giaci.ca/
Follow Giaci on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giacimiceli?
Follow Giaci on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giacimiceli/
The Primary Purpose of This Podcast Is To Educate, Which Does Not Constitute Professional Advice or Services. The Views and Opinions Expressed are Those of The Guests. Their Appearance on The Podcast Does Not Imply Any Endorsement of Them, Their Products, or Their Services.
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