Heidi Rome, is a speaker, advocate, mentor, perspective re-framer, and mother of two sons, one with severe autism. Author of You Just Have to Love Me, she understands how to overcome overwhelm, as every step of her journey requires changing the narrative. As founder of Moms Spectrum Oasis, Heidi builds awareness and the humanhood issues around what true inclusion and loving kindness actually mean.
In this episode, Heidi touches on the realities of being in a life-long caregiving situation for her son who has severe autism. She emphasizes the importance of creating supportive and safe communities for those with severe autism. She speaks about feelings of grief, and how she had such a sense of relief when she was given the message from her son, Ethan, that she didn’t have to fix him - she just had to love him, and how this led her to explore what love really means.
Heidi's observations translate into other lessons as well such as the "Win/When Skillsets" and her two questions that love asks that provide a gentle yet effective approach for those who may not know how to help in a given situation. By using these questions: "How Can I Be of Service?" and "What is Needed?" all of us can step-up and be of service. By choosing love instead of fear, Heidi reminds us that by using compassion and curiosity we can become part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Heidi shares so many lessons and insights in the episode that are applicable to those of us who are caregivers, teachers, therapists, friends, or anyone who works with or interacts with vulnerable individuals.
If you’d like Heidi to speak to your community, she is available for speaking engagements and can be reached through her website.
Island Treasures
As caregivers tell their stories they will share encouragement and insights to the listeners who may be in the midst of their own caregiving journey. It is a source of wisdom, encouragement and empowerment for caregivers so they do not feel they are alone. The idea for Island Treasures came during the pandemic as a means to reach caregivers in their homes where they may be feeling frustrated, isolated and alone; and needing a boost of encouragement. The guests share how they're managing their own caregiving journeys and what resources they have found especially meaningful so they could cope and even thrive during challenging times for caregivers. Encouragement and hope are both key goals of the podcasts. You may also find moments of joy and laughter mixed in with the realities of caregiving. The podcasts highlight caregivers of folks with dementia, Alzheimer's or other chronic illnesses, as well as elder parents, those providing care to a child or family member with special needs, and also guests who provide resources specific to caregiving: elders and dementia and caregiving tips and strategies. The podcasts are brought to you by Alongside Caregiver Consulting and if you find you are struggling and in need of supports, tap into Alongside Caregiver Consulting to see the resources and services available.