Mafe Maria: Personal stories by autism parent mentor, Maria Stultz

A rock-star volunteer’s 1st playroom session

Joaquin and Erin’s first play session went great. They played “Truth or Lies” as the three of us did yesterday, and I was blown away by Erin’s effortless, natural, full of contrast, and fun way to connect with Joaquin while giving him so much new to perceive. This was her first solo session with no more information than the concepts I conveyed to her in our first encounter and a single hour of feedback yesterday.

I loved how fast she took to my belief that Joaquin’s pauses are exciting times at which his brain is processing a new difference perceived, and her natural authentic way to be such a motivating and fun presence in Joaquin’s game.

This was such a rich session evidenced by Kiki’s interactivity, initiation, and the processing/resting pauses in between. I enjoyed so much seeing his warmth to her, and the biggest payoff came when he took her hands, and imitating her rhythm launched on spontaneous hand dance with her. He had never done that before; I’m sure it was the result of such a great and juicy time today. Now Team, watch also that gesture he gives her when explaining “patting”. I loved Erin’s language too Teach me!. Wow, what a great first day!

Welcome to my parent mentoring service

Hello, you Super mom of an Awesome autistic child.

If my experience and words speak to you, I invite you to learn about my mentoring service for autism parents.

Intentional parenting, development, and education for our children is my passion. My purpose is to empower you with the emotional and practical support you need to thrive as you reach for every outcome you dream of for you and your child’s life.

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