Today we’d like to introduce you to Miesha Gibson.
Miesha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2004, three letters PDD changed our world. PDD-Pervasive Development Disorder refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Julian became distant, listless and almost mute. Little by little, his speech minimized and he began to withdraw socially. We decided to place him in a pre-school in hopes to jumpstart his social and communication skills. The director of the school discussed with us that her school was not in Julian’s best interest and to have him tested. Within a month, Julian had a full battery test at Texas Children’s Hospital. They tested his hearing, vision, and speech. A psychologist monitored his behavior in a play environment to see how he interacted with objects and individuals. Texas Children’s representatives referred us to the Blue Bird Clinic for an MRI and at the age of 3, Julian was diagnosed with PDD a disorder on the Autism Spectrum.
While going through this journey, I felt very isolated and sometimes alienated by others. No one knew how much autism would affect our lives. I did not feel comfortable speaking with anyone and others assumed they knew how I was feeling rather than just listening. Being the parent of an autistic child is a unique position because you are constantly learning something new each day.
I wanted to create a safe haven for parents who just received the news about their child having autism. I want to give the support to parents that I wish I had received which allowed me to give birth to Joy of Julian. The goal is to offer the support and resources to families and remind them that they are not alone. As a family, we began wearing any shade of blue every Wednesday and it has continued for the past five years. As a way of coping with autism, I created a blog through Instagram @joyofjulian. It has allowed me to share my truth as a mom, along with how the journey with autism has affected my family. It is truly therapeutic!
Joy of Julian is currently hosting parent seminars in Fort Bend County at We Rock the Spectrum-Missouri City 4899 Hwy 6 Suite 205B, Missouri City, Tx 77459. This is where we help individuals navigate through the public school system as it pertains to resources offered in special education. By being on both sides of the table as a parent and educator, I have a unique perspective on the special education process. Please allow Joy of Julian to be the liaison between the parent and the process. I have the experience to help individuals receive the most out of the educational system by providing tips and suggestions on what to ask throughout the journey. Always advocate for your child!
On April 2nd, 2019, I organized our 1st Autism Walk “#GoBlue4Ju”, at my current campus Lula Belle Goodman Elementary in Fort Bend ISD and next year we plan to organize several more throughout the district. There will be a parent support group for our parents of special needs students along with monthly updates of events happening in the surrounding areas for our students to participant in. A mentoring program called “Blue Buddies” is in the making where we pair up children with autism with a child who has the same interests. This will help with socialization and communication skills as well as building positive healthy relationships. This October my Julian will be turning 18 so we are now entering a new phase of our journey with autism. Raising a child with special needs is not easy, however Julian is everything I could have ever asked for in a son.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There wasn’t as much information about autism when Julian was diagnosed. I didn’t feel that I had the support of other parents. People are very protective of their children and often do not feel comfortable enough to share their experiences or journey with other parents. Julian was doesn’t have any physical abnormalities and initially you may think that everything is normal. The difference comes when there is a conversation and he demonstrates certain quirks. Some individuals are very kind and others are extremely rude and impatient.
What I’ve noticed in the school environment, there is not a lot of explanation. If you don’t read for yourself or ask questions educators will not just offer suggestions or explain the information. I had to come prepared to all of my ARD meetings with all of my questions and paperwork. If I had a concern know that I made sure that it was asked. I’m just lucky that I have a background in special education. I feel that there aren’t enough support groups for parents with children with special needs. There must be more offered on school campuses for parents because many parents don’t understand the special education process. Many times they don’t know who to turn too! Learn to advocate for your children.
Please tell us about Joy of Julian.
Joy of Julian represents HOPE for those who feel they are walking through this “Autistic” journey alone; We are committed to assisting families with children that have autism across the spectrum by navigating through the public school system; providing and creating resources that will increase public awareness, acceptance to strengthen their quality of life by exposing them to an expanded support system and a list of public venues, doctors and schools that cater to the special needs of individuals with autism.
I am so proud of my organization because it was created to help others. It was built out of concern for my son in order to develop a community of parents who understand and support one another. I am an educator and parent of a child with autism. I understand both sides of the journey and how it can affect your daily lives.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t necessarily believe in good or bad luck. Luck is what you make it. You get out of life what you put into it. I have strong faith and believe that what God has for my son will manifest. I love service and believe that giving back is key! We work hard and love harder!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 713-677-3132
- Email: joyofjulian@outlook.com
- Instagram: @joyofjulian
- Facebook: joyofjulian
Image Credit:
Pictures by @picswithgbr Gods Blaq Rose (Jessica Washington)
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