All That Glitters… by: Kimberly Larochelle
In the world of Autism Spectrum, someone once said, “There are those out there that will Help You…and there are those out there that Want Your Money”. It hurts for us to hear this, and yet, as with everything else, this is true as well in the world of Autism. It hurts us more when it’s our precious children that happen to be victims to those that are out for money. These ones prey upon the desperation of the parents of Autism Spectrum Children, and work hard to win their trust, knowing that loving our children the way we do…we will pay our last dime to make them better.
Therefore, this situation sets up a continuous rise and fall of hope to hopelessness…and we become jaded, distrustful, and cynical. We may feel that we cannot take the polar dives from joy to pain in our hearts any longer…and so sometimes we give up! We may even begin to think that if it sounds too good…then…it cannot be true!
I have felt this way many, many times in the first 8 years of my son’s life. I was close to giving up hope dozens of times, and thank goodness, I never did! Perhaps if I relate an experience that I had, it will help you understand why I am so thankful that I never, ever lost hope…
One day…
…about a year ago, I had the pleasure of driving down Hwy 49 in California, called the Gold Miners, or 49ers trail. Along this trail, you can visit and learn the history of all those miners who panned for gold…looking…looking for the glitter. I got to pan for gold as well…and realized how very hard and tedious it was. As I worked the pan swirling round and round looking for the glint of yellow…I found much that shone bright in the sun…only to have the miner tell me, “Nope, only fool’s gold, little lady…”
And so, I worked my pan to and fro…back and forth…making swirling and swishing movements…with the object being…since the “Gold” is heavy…heavier than the sand, and silt, it STAYS in the pan! I liken this “REAL GOLD” to “Helpful, Progressive, and Functional Therapy Protocol”…It “STAYS IN THE PAN”, so to speak…and it withstands…there is no argument against it, as it is devastating in its logic, and it just makes good sense. It “WORKS”…
Fools Gold, however, may shine, and it is pretty…but it is “VALUELESS”…just as a therapy protocol or center may be “pretty”, perhaps a very nice and shiny facility with nice therapists. Be sure to ask yourself, “What is it really…little lady?” “Is it mere fools gold?” “Is it worth anything?” In other words… “Is this therapy or treatment doing any good, and is my child progressing?” If not…Then…It is VALUELESS…and not worth anything, especially not worth your money and time!
Please do not make the mistake of thinking that there is NO GOLD…just because it may be difficult to find. It takes effort, much effort to find it…nevertheless…IT’S THERE!!! There, also may be those that call you foolish for even trying and for going to such efforts…yet the reward is great…when you can shout at the top of you voice, “Eureka!”
You may wonder if I ever did find gold…The answer is YES!!! I found “GOLD” literally…and better yet…figuratively…with a treatment plan perfect for my son…worth all the gold in the world and more…
“EUREKA !!!”
BY: Kimberly Larochelle