EPISODE 18: LETREESE JONES

For Autism Awareness Month, Gail Dudley invites advocate LeTreese Jones to speak on the topic, “The Real Homelife of Autism.” Please take a listen as LeTreese shares how her pregnancy with Issac was different than her two older children and how she was ready to walk away from the pediatrician who did not at first want to refer her to a specialist.

One must be an advocate for their children, and we must all know the signs. Many people, especially those in the Christian community, encouraged LeTreese to simply pray. Yes, prayer changes things, but there are times when God wants us to utilize the specialists He has in place. Listen in with mimosa in hand. 

LeTreese explains the significance of Autism Awareness month

April is associated with the color blue, derived from the color in the logo of Autism Speaks. You’ll see different blue images and logos, from light bulbs to butterflies. The idea is to bring awareness to autism and educate the public so you can recognize when a loved one has autism, and then what you should do once you get a diagnosis.

LeTreese details her own personal journey with autism and the path they took to understand her 16 year old son’s diagnosis.

• What she noticed that was difference about her pregnancy with her son, Isaac, who has autism.
• How he was different from her other babies.
• First signs when he was a baby that LeTreese noticed that prompted her to look into it.
• The kinds of things she thought about as a mother dealing with the uncertainty before diagnosis.
• The response from family and friends that bothered her the most.
• The importance of a professional diagnosis.
• How Toni Braxton’s campaign at the time played a role.

The process of getting a diagnosis and why that was frustrating for her.

• What to say to your doctor if they don’t recognize what you see in your child or validate your feelings
• Why it’s so important to advocate for our own and our family’s health
• The role of prayer in this situation, and what to do if you don’t get the answer you seek.
• LeTreese’s experience with the Holy Spirit and how that changed everything.
• Why it’s important to be open with our definition of “healing.”

LeTreese also talks about what happened after her son got his diagnosis and what she did next. She highlights the different emotions and actions she needed to take in order to deal with the situation in the best way possible, even with other traumas in their lives at the time.

How support systems are part of the process.

• Women’s role as natural nurturers and how that affected her situation.
• How to put your child first in these situations.
• What self-care looks like for the mom of an autistic child.
• Why it’s so important to take care of your own health.
• The role of advocacy and what makes it effective for everyone.

Next, she delves into current problems with police and people with mental health issues, and how she talks to her son about potential encounters with law enforcement to prepare him for those situations.

What to do if you see things in your child that make you think you might be dealing with autism.

• Always remember that you are responsible for what is in the best interest of your child and don’t ignore the signs.
• Keep asking questions and reaching out for help.
• Find a pediatrician who can help diagnose your child.

Gail and LeTreese wrap up by discussing the challenges her son encountered in school and how to ensure that your child has access to all the resources that are available to them.

In these situations, prayer can help. LeTreese mentions how we can pray for others in a way that helps. It can be hard to go through this by yourself.

Don’t miss Gail’s Sherbet or Sorbet Mimosa (with a hint of vodka if you like)! From the Cookie Rookie.

Don’t forget: Gail is giving out gift cards during the month of May to the first 5 people who submit a mimosa recipe! Send it to[email protected] .

Something new! Gail is now taking sponsors! If you’re interested in a promo spot for 30 seconds with 30 seconds of commentary, contact Gail at her email address. It’s only $150 for the 30 second ad plus 30 seconds of commentary.

You can also follow Gail’s Ministry in Motion live news and politics channel daily at 7:25 AM at https://www.facebook.com/newsinmotion

Find LeTreese on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letreese.jones

The Affect Institute on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAFFECTInstituteInc