How navigating my son’s autism diagnosis made me a better leader | Karen Fisher | TEDxSNHU

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Challenges of Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The speaker, a mother of two adopted sons, shares her experience of raising a child with ASD and the challenges she faced as a parent.
Despite her initial plans and goals for her life and career, her life took an unexpected turn when she became a mother and later discovered that her son had ASD.
The diagnosis of ASD and the subsequent struggles her family faced shattered her confidence as a parent and left her feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and judged.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear team vision when working with a diverse group of professionals involved in her son's care.
She highlights the need for defining roles and responsibilities to create a high-performing team, drawing an analogy to a symphony orchestra where the conductor guides the musicians to perform in harmony.

The speaker stresses the significance of embracing an agile mindset, slowing down, and not reacting impulsively, but instead taking a long-term view and building networks and relationships to effectively advocate for her son's interests.
Leaders who embrace an agile mindset value innovation, flexibility, and diverse perspectives, allowing them to quickly pivot based on the best available information.

Cultivating authentic relationships is crucial for outstanding team performance. Genuine relationships rooted in trust, vulnerability, and deep connections foster commitment, collaboration, and investment in each other's well-being.
Prioritizing self-care is essential for leaders to send a strong message that it is necessary and valued. Leaders who prioritize self-care improve their own performance and that of their team.

Parents of neurodiverse children should have a clear team vision, be clear about their role, build a strong support network, and prioritize their own well-being to provide the best for their child and family.