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

Son-Rise program

(39 entries)

The Son-Rise Program taught me how to become the best play therapist for my autistic son, and how to train and direct a team, so together we could surround him with the perfect environment and activities for him to learn fundamental social and learning skills—organically, joyfully, through loving relationships, and at his own pace. Our family lived in a Son-rise bubble—a nurturing greenhouse—for four years, until he was ready to thrive learning directly from the world.

Ready to Begin »

Perfection is not required, is what I’ve lived and say to every mother of an autistic child. Yet, I thought I needed to be perfect to mentor others now. Always supporting my growth, the Wise Voice changed my lenses today. From fear I went to inspiration, just like in key Son-Rise days. So I may not be perfect, but I’m ready to begin. To learn. To teach. To co-create.

Meeting Strangers »

Last weekend we enjoyed the company of Katrina Kramlich, a lovely and experienced Son-Rise child facilitator who came to our home to play with Joaquin in his romper room. The experience was absolutely wonderful, especially because the universe conspired to fit everything in such a perfect way, that Eliza (our first volunteer), had a chance […]

All in motion »

In preparation for my coming trip back to Massachusetts to attend an advanced Son-Rise course, last week I had to fill out a long survey reporting all kinds of details about Joaquin’s current state. The survey was exactly the same I took back in May, just a few weeks after having become aware of Joaquin’s […]

Blind but Trusting »

I’ve just received my rental car for the week. After placing my bag in the trunk and contemplating all the little ways how this cheap rental is not as nice as our family car, I pull out the map package I’ve printed earlier charting the route to the Option Institute. The number of steps is […]