"The snake that cannot shed its skin perishes. So do the spirits who are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be spirit." - Friedrich Nietzsche
I just read an article in USA mentioning you and your daughter. It moved me to tears. In many ways Marisa could have been me. Thank you for speaking up and speaking out. There was nothing when I was growing up except a label of “weirdo” and gratitude for my good grades. Now, I see my own son struggling, but it is very different than my experience. There is more help in general now, but not nearly enough (especially for girls). Thank you for being one to help change that. The little girl in me wishes you were around years ago. I wish you all the love & success with keeping her memory alive and advocating for her. :)
Thank you for your kind words. It is my hope to help others feel less alone in their experiences and know that our differently wired (and widely misunderstood) brains are beautiful and so very needed in this world.
Nature saved me as a child and I spent my working life with children outside so it definitely has made my life better. As I am older and more physically challenged, I find my life is enhanced by being outside. Even if it’s only spending some time outside watching the birds, I feel better and move better when I’m outside. I would like to encourage everyone to go outside for a while every day for their physical and mental health.
I took my son to Disney world too - he was about the same age. And he too didn’t seem thrilled - seemed tense. Looking back at the pictures - I realize he hated it. He masked throughout his childhood- he was in gifted classes with lots of smart friends as well. So I never knew anything was really wrong. I thought he was quirky. Until it all fell apart in college.
Now he has an autism diagnosis, mental illness diagnoses, is known medication and filed for disability. Whole new world.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. My brother killed himself last June. He had autistic traits - looking back at his whole life. Probably could have got a diagnosis. He was very high functioning. And couldn’t take this world anymore I guess. We never suspected he’d do this. I worry for my son.
I just read an article in USA mentioning you and your daughter. It moved me to tears. In many ways Marisa could have been me. Thank you for speaking up and speaking out. There was nothing when I was growing up except a label of “weirdo” and gratitude for my good grades. Now, I see my own son struggling, but it is very different than my experience. There is more help in general now, but not nearly enough (especially for girls). Thank you for being one to help change that. The little girl in me wishes you were around years ago. I wish you all the love & success with keeping her memory alive and advocating for her. :)
Thank you for your kind words. It is my hope to help others feel less alone in their experiences and know that our differently wired (and widely misunderstood) brains are beautiful and so very needed in this world.
Nature saved me as a child and I spent my working life with children outside so it definitely has made my life better. As I am older and more physically challenged, I find my life is enhanced by being outside. Even if it’s only spending some time outside watching the birds, I feel better and move better when I’m outside. I would like to encourage everyone to go outside for a while every day for their physical and mental health.
Your words have once again moved me to tears.
I took my son to Disney world too - he was about the same age. And he too didn’t seem thrilled - seemed tense. Looking back at the pictures - I realize he hated it. He masked throughout his childhood- he was in gifted classes with lots of smart friends as well. So I never knew anything was really wrong. I thought he was quirky. Until it all fell apart in college.
Now he has an autism diagnosis, mental illness diagnoses, is known medication and filed for disability. Whole new world.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. My brother killed himself last June. He had autistic traits - looking back at his whole life. Probably could have got a diagnosis. He was very high functioning. And couldn’t take this world anymore I guess. We never suspected he’d do this. I worry for my son.
Thanks for shining light on all this. Hugs ❤️🩹