I have been given a rather Divine Opportunity to "re-integrate" an 18-year-old teenager, (diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, high-functioning autism, ADHD, as well as a few other "labels" that were NOT quite as "flattering") into adulthood.
What a wonderful opportunity to see if all the holistic training from which I have been educated (and some new to even me) can make a difference in the outcome of her life.
How has this "opportunity" come my way?
Well, out of a certain amount of respect for her privacy, I will simply call her Claire; and to answer that question . . . let's just say that all KINDS of blessed events happen to me, even if they don't always seem so grand at the time that they occur!
Claire has always struggled to "fit in" with the rest of the world, and is finding it no different now that she is beginning to mature.
But all of Claire's "tools" have been through the more "traditional" avenues: she's been on ALL kinds of medications since at LEAST the age of seven!
Claire needed to move in with us rather unexpectedly after all her other "options" had been taken from her. She was no longer welcome in her mother's home after "flunking out" of a semester of college. (Claire had been told that college was her "last chance.")
Anyone could have predicted this so-called "failure" of college, however, for all signs pointed to it. She lacked the ability to study, turn in homework, focus, multitask, or even acquire healthy friendships that were supportive of her as an individual.
Once Claire moved in, however, I became aware that her biggest issues turned out to be that she lacked confidence and approached ANY and ALL new (or even SLIGHTLY stressful) situations with a great amount of anxiety that was close to panic.
Claire is an incredible friend to a few people her age, but unfortunately those who end up being attracted to her are . . . like a moth to a flame . . . friends because they need someone to lean on as they live from one trauma to the next. They too are typically the "outsiders" in many ways . . . and Claire always aims to make them feel good.
Claire is one who manages to find a peaceful solution for everyone else, while her own mind is FILLED with tumultuous self doubt. Along with that trait, however, comes the fact that no one ever gets to KNOW the "authentic" Claire, as she is always too busy making sure that everyone ELSE gets to hear what makes them happy!
Although I know this process of "re-integration" won't be easy and that I will have my work cut out for me, I still KNOW that I can make SOME difference . . . even if it's just from a nutritional standpoint! This girl came to me addicted to sweets, pastas, cheeses, and breads . . . all processed foods that have proceeded to put some weight on her. While she was once overly thin from the intake of Ritalin, she is currently not very happy with her figure.
And there is ANOTHER important piece to these traits that I know is going to help me: she is the most delightful and caring person that I have ever had the opportunity to meet.
Now if I can only get Claire to love HERSELF as much as I have the ability to love the person she REALLY is, then I know that TOGETHER we will be able to make a miraculous difference!
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