Mary is a mom of two sons, one of whom is profoundly autistic. Mary’s life completely changed when her first child Jewels was diagnosed with Autism at 2 ½ years old. Figuratively speaking, Jewels was locked in a room and Mary was on the outside peering through the keyhole. She needed to find a way in, by trying all the different keys at her disposal. After hardly moving the needle, and exploring other strategies, Mary finally found the key that unlocked the door to a relationship with Jewels – that key was music – the black and white keys of a piano.

Mary now knows, it all begins with building a relationship, recognizing the importance of human connection, and entering the parent-child process of discovery. This reality ultimately fills both parent and child with an expanded opportunity to find meaning and love, renewed energy and fun, which are all crucial for children whose life experience is not typical. I truly believe that every individual has the capacity to open the door to their potential and possibility. All that is needed is the right key.

Mary is an author, speaker and coach for parents and caregivers of children with special needs. Her mission is to bring balance, structure, encouragement, answers and hope for parents as they encounter obstacles or roadblocks navigating the world of special needs.

Raising a child with Autism is hard. No one tells you it gets even harder when they become adults. Her book – Autism Grows Up…Then What? incorporates the experiences and strategies she has learned from raising her son. You too will find your own key to unlocking the door to your child’s room as you create  culture of understanding and acceptance during each stage of development.