When a mother of a 9-year-old boy with autism first reached out to Parent Network, she was looking for guidance on how to secure additional services for her son. “I connected with Parent Network to help me start the process for my son to be eligible for other services/OPWDD,” she shared. Little did she know this connection would empower her with the knowledge and resources she needed to navigate a complex system.
Through their support, Parent Network guided her through the initial steps of eligibility and connected her with the right resources. “They helped me tremendously! They helped me with the initial steps to become eligible and directed me where to go for my next steps,” she recalled, grateful for the direction they provided.
One of the biggest realizations for this mother was discovering the wealth of support and resources available. “I learned that there were a lot more things out there to help us than I ever realized,” she said, and felt more informed and better equipped to advocate for her son. “I’m more informed,” she explained, highlighting how the process has transformed her approach to caring for her child.
Today, her life—and her son’s—has been significantly impacted by Parent Network’s assistance. “I’m aware that we have options now,” she said, reflecting on the confidence this new understanding has brought her. “I learned you need to advocate and reach out to others to help and get things done,” she added, underscoring the vital lesson in self-advocacy.
Her message to others who may be in similar situations is clear: “They help you know what steps you have to take even when you feel lost, which I did,” she emphasized, encouraging others to connect with Parent Network for guidance and support. Through Parent Network, this mother’s journey from uncertainty to empowerment has reshaped her ability to support her son and make informed decisions, ensuring a brighter future ahead.
