A Mother's Intuition

By Justin Vantreese | Published on September 24, 2020 | 7 Minute Read

Hey everyone! I’m Vicky, mum to Rose, my unicorn with autism - 7, and Jack, 5, a loving brother who so innocently thinks that autism is 'the season where the leaves turn brown'. I worked in the sales industry for 20 years and then my world turned upside down when I had my first born - Rose who was diagnosed with autism at age 4. Rose at that point was struggling to function, and our family was in a very dark space. Rose would wake every half an hour at night, screaming. Her diet was narrow, she was angry, defiant, aggressive, hurting her brother, very rigid with clothing and toys and everything had to be on her terms. She would wear the same dress for two years, it was so tiny that we couldn't even button it up! On her 4th birthday, I remember she turned up to her birthday party in freezing cold October, with a gaping dress where it was two sizes too small, and her school plimsolls, but it was all that she would wear. Removal of the dress would end in violence and we were too tired to battle. It sounds crazy to think of a 4 year old dictating life to that degree. And I never thought I would be a parent like that. But when you haven't slept for what feels like 5 years and a meltdown lasts an hour - you just don't have the energy. Rose’s health was so poor. Infection after infection. I hated watching her struggle and constantly be sick.

"A mother’s intuition is always right. I’m so glad I listened to mine. "

I remember speaking to the paediatrician and constantly being told that there was nothing we could do to help but sensory circuits. So I decided to ask more questions and research myself. Her body seemed so unwell. I made it my mission to learn every single thing possible relating to autism. Desperate to find answers and help her stop struggling, we tried some diet and changes based on specific research about children with autism. There are very common deficiencies and intolerances that go along with the diagnosis. It was mind blowing. After 6 months she was chatting to us and singing. And sleeping! She seemed calmer and less like she was constantly struggling. I felt so passionate about helping other children like my daughter, that I retained as a nutritionist and health coach - specialising in children with ASD. I am extremely passionate about helping other children like my daughter to overcome some of the daily challenges that can impact their quality of life via good nutrition, overcoming picky eating, nature, and calming techniques. It has been life changing for my daughter and our family. My dream is to change the mindset surrounding autism. And for parents and carers to understand that many of the symptoms that make up autism are biochemical, which means that they are merely imbalances that once back in balance can help alleviate anxiety, picky eating, bed wetting, tics, gut issues like constipation, eye poking, inflexibility of thought, and stimming. Rose has healed my whole family. She has taught us so much. But mainly to open up my mind. And to understand the bond between us. A mother knows best - I couldn’t have put it better myself. A mother’s intuition is always right. I’m so glad I listened to mine. And because I did, today I get to have long conversations about trivial things like Rose’s favourite holiday. I’ll never take for granted any word that she speaks. Because there so easily might not have been any.

Listen to your heart and gut when it comes to your children. Just because someone has a phd in medicine doesn’t mean they have a phd in your child. YOU DO ️YOU.

About the Author

Vicky Finlayson

I’m Vicky, mum to Rose, my unicorn with autism - 7, and Jack, 5, a loving brother who so innocently thinks that autism is 'the season where the leaves turn brown'.

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