Embracing motherhood: a teen mom and mom of a teen
Yesterday, while chatting with my daughter on the phone, I made the comment that when I get old, she will need to take care of me. She jokingly reminded me that I am not that much older than she is. That’s right. I was a teen mom.
It’s not something I talk about often. It was a tough path to walk, often stigmatized. Hurtful and judgemental things were often said, both to me and about me. But it was a path that I look back on with gratitude. It made me who I am today and I am so honored to be her mother. She has made me a better person. Poor kid. I worked out all my parenting issues on her, as the oldest in the family. We share a special bond. Let me introduce you to the girl who would grow up to be the CEO of Autism Insights Foundation, my daughter Jackie Linstead.
Jackie takes on many roles. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, educator, and leader of the nonprofit, Autism Insights Foundation. Family is paramount in her world. She is also the mother of my sweet girl (my first grandchild).
Being a mom to a teenager on the spectrum can often be a challenge. It is a challenge that she takes on with love. I am inspired everyday as I see her advocate for her child, helping her to find her place in this world. But my daughter didn’t just stop there. She recognizes that our sweet girl, who was diagnosed at age 3 with autism spectrum disorder, will likely struggle to find gainful employment unless things change.
So a year ago I get a phone call. It goes something like this, “Hi mom, are you busy? I have an idea and I need your help. We need to change how autism and employment are viewed.” That was the birth of Autism Insights Foundation. Because, like all moms, she is looking for more for her child. Promises of a brighter future. More acceptance. More opportunities to thrive. Just more. And she knew that autism could limit her opportunities in the workplace. So now she works outside of her comfort zone. She speaks on panels and advocates for others whose voices need to be heard. She develops corporate training to ensure that those on the spectrum get the opportunities, accommodations and the respect they deserve. She spends her free time making sure our sweet girl and others like her who need representation in the workplace are heard and seen.
Together we are embracing motherhood. A teen mom and the mom of a teen, just trying to make a difference for autistic adults in the workplace. Join us, won’t you? There is room at the table.
Until next time…