Are you a mother of a child with Autism or Special Needs?

Do you feel like you've lost your own identity through caring for your child?

Have you given up on your own dreams for the future because you've been busy making sure your child's need are secure?

Do you struggle with balancing the demands of your child and other demands of life?

Do you feel overwhelmed, over worked and often times over looked?

As a mother of a child with autism and other special needs, we have been given one of the greatest roles to play in our child's life. Being chosen to parent these amazing children is the greatest expression of love and devotion we can embrace.

Yet we can't help but sometimes feel the pressures and challenges that confronts us daily as we care for our children. We are frustrated, overwhelmed and exhausted.

Numerous studies have found that parents of children with disabilities and parents of autistic children in particular, experience enormously high levels of stress. In 2009, a research conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that mothers of adolescents with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions.

If this is true, then how do we continue this journey of devotion and care that's needed for our children and still not lose ourselves in the process?

By putting on our mask first. Each time we board an airplane, right before take off, the stewardess reminds us to "be sure to secure your own mask before helping others."

As mothers, we instinctively aid our children and make sure they are safe first. It's just natural for us to feel that way. However, when we secure our mask first, this gives us more strength and power to attend to the many arising moments of our children's needs. Simply put, we take care of ourselves first so that we can take care of others.

Pillars of Grace is an invitation to mothers of children with autism and special needs to learn how to put their masks on first so they can begin to experience of life filled with peace, joy, renewal and grace. We want to assist you inclosing the gap between where you are today and your vision and hope of where you want to be.

We will help you move into a space of unconditional love and self care by helping you rebuild your own life, pursue your own dreams and live the life you desire and deserve. You can only truly love and care for your child when you love and care for yourself first.

My name is Gigi Garzon and I am your "Mommy Advocate."

Your passion is helping your child and my passion is helping you."