The beauty of raising an autistic child | Sally Deitch | TEDxElPaso

A talk that touches on the surprises parents uncover when discovering their child is autistic.

Sally A. Hurt-Deitch, RN, FACHE, is the Market Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Providence Health Network (SPHN) in El Paso, Texas. In this capacity, Sally serves as the CEO of Providence Memorial Hospital and Providence Children’s Hospital. Sally was recently promoted to this position in March 2015, after serving as SPHN Market COO and CEO of Sierra Providence East Medical Center. In her role as Market CEO, Sally oversees the strategic, operational and clinical activities for the health network as well as the integration activities of three hospitals and the current construction of a fourth.

[noleenpillay]

To be honest as a parent of an autistic child this video is more about how liam can memorize lists and planets etc - it doesn't really talk about the BEAUTY of autism. In that your child will teach you what is most important in life, they will show you what is pure innocent love - real love with no conditions or expectations, your child will teach you how to value the simple things such as a walk in nature, they beauty of flowers etc. Your child will challenge and push you to go further in your career or maturity than you ever would have without them, your child will teach you to have a thicker skin and not care what other people think, your child will get you to re-think and challenge the society that we live in and redefine the rules, your autistic child is a GIFT

[illiengalene]

I am a female and have ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder. I don't look autistic or act hyperactiv.
I studied art and design, now I am a freelance illustrator and artist. I have a partner and live in my own apartment.

[amandajay]

Ha my name is Liam and I was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old, I love your story, it is amazing the differences in kids across the spectrum. I love music and I am amazing at singing, and drumming, but I am bad at making eye contact with people I am talking to. This year I stood in front of my 7th grade class and told them my experience with autism.

[teachermichelle]

I remember when I realised my son was on the spectrum. I had suspected and been in denial from when he was just a few months old. I am a teacher and new enough to be afraid. Hearing his diagnosis was both a relief and also heart breaking. It felt like a death in the family. As I have educated myself, I have realised what a brilliant mind he really is. What a generous spirit he has. I see so much more potential in children on the spectrum now than I do in neurotypical children.

[Gibsonlm]

The first time someone told me my 18 month old probably had autism (at daycare) I came home balling my eyes out. The doctor assured me the next week she no way had autism and scored her zero on MCHAT. Within a year she was diagnosed with severe autism. It was a roller coaster but now that we understand and changed the world around our family to fit her better, we all have grown so much ❤️

[alatreon]

I thank everybody in the comment section for the compliments

[Heyreneesews]

My daughter, who is autistic, would tell me she hates herself. I would say, you better start liking yourself, because no matter where you go there you are. We both learned to like ourselves, together. You don’t have to be autistic to be down on yourself. I am lucky to have her.

[clairerobertson]

That was lovely what the brother said "that's why God gave him 4 brothers" well done that young man x

[GilAguilar]

That is really interesting about not wishing to be born. When I was young I used to think this to myself but didn’t know why. I’m now 46 have two boys that are autistic and I myself was diagnosed at 45. It’s really great to find answers and always know we are not alone. Thanks for sharing ☕️

[christysims]

This is so my child. I'm going through this nightmare with my six year old right now. He's in kindergarten. He has had 2 lunch detentions and 1 in school suspension within the first 60 days of school. I have been to the principal's office at least 7 times, exchanged multiple emails, calls, texts etc. We are undergoing testing currently and he has been diagnosed with adhd at this point. The whole process is so slow. It is so nice to hear this. I've been talking to his pediatrician since he was 2 and no one would listen until we went to school and it became clear to other people exactly what I had been screaming for the last four years. Thanks for sharing.

[poiboi]

Your son is one of the lucky ones. He had people in his life who paid attention. I'm turning 40 next month and have quietly suffered from anxiety and depression though out my whole life and had to figure out that I have ADHD and fall under the spectrum of autism. I'm struggling to find reasons not to give up but it's only getting harder with every day that passes. I just want to finally have peace

[ithacacomments]

I didn't realize that my daughter was autistic until her 44th then everything about her life before that birthday made sense.
I didn't realize that I am autistic until my 68th birthday....(same everything about my life before that birthday made sense.

[pchyknrt]

I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. I also want to say there are no "Bad mom moments" when raising an autistic child. I learned this raising mine. They are learning moments. Not only for mom but for the family and those directly surrounding the child. It is a hard thing to do to raise a child with autism but I think a lot of us are doing a really good job. And with more people like you sharing a lot more families can raise great autistic children to be great autistic adults.

[leeleee]

Thank you thank you thank you to allthe persons in the comments sections you have given me the strength on this day to not cry about my 2 year old son being autistic i am still educating my self so i can help me but sometimes the doubts sneak in my mind and its so overwhelming

[sixtyfiveroses]

You seem like an amazing Mom, much love for you & your family.

[agelualofa]

It is such a blessing to watch this video. My goodness... You are so lucky that there is help support and love for the special children. I for one find this very very hard because I am a solo father of 4 children and 2 of them are autistic. Unfortunately, the mother of my children left our family for another man who can supply her with plenty of money. She left our family I think she is ashamed of the fact that 2 of our beautiful angels are autistic. I can only wish there was support or a special system for special children like my poor autistic boys. Is there a group of parents that I can reach out to for teachings and support in raising my autistic boys? watching this video brings tears to my eyes as a solo father caring for my children. I never thought I would ever speak in such a way of heartbreak.

[denise]

Loving all of your children for who they are. Wonderful attitude in a challenging world. Thank you!

[melaniecycles]

I so miss my touchstone, but because of her strength and belief I am still surviving... though maybe not as well as I would have... 8 years after her loss. SO never doubt the difference you make to his future, and thank you for being liams mum, akd thank you to all the strong mums that allow and enable their autistic children to ne themselves and the very best they can be.

[ticker]

WOW!!! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!!
My youngest son was just diagnosed!!!! He came to me through the foster system at 6. He is about to be 13. He sounds so much like your son!!!!

[suesmith]

For all the positivity that people manage to raise about autism, if there was a choice we would give anything for our autistic child and ourselves just to be normal