Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Alexander.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved from the UK to the US in 2009 with my husband, and we have two children; Max who is seven years old and Isla who is five.
In October 2014, Max was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. He wasn’t talking, just making sounds and incomprehensible babble. He would walk on his tiptoes, flap his hands and spin in circles. When we first received the diagnosis, we were devastated, we didn’t know what to do or how to help him. After I had cried my tears, I realized that it wasn’t about me; it was about Max and I needed to find out how I can help him. After extensive research, I was able to get him into the therapy that he needed.
Over the last five years, we have learned a lot about Autism and how to live with and embrace everything that it brings. It is this journey that inspired me to start writing poetry. Every poem that I write is about something that has happened to Max, his behavior or how he’s feeling in different situations. Some are even about how his behavior has made me feel.
Autism is one of the biggest parts of our lives, and the worry about the unknown that comes with it can be scary, it can be an emotional roller-coaster; with good days and bad. This is why I write. It gives me a tremendous amount of pleasure and sometimes also heartache, but I know it gives me comfort and I hope it helps others too.
Writing gives me a hope that my poems will help others know that they are not alone and that we are all in this together. I’m want to raise awareness and encourage acceptance about Autism and create a better understanding of living with it, ultimately providing comfort to those who need it most.
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?
The challenge I face is more emotional than anything. The reason being is that I write about Autism and how it affects my son, whether that be physically or mentally. So I can write a really good poem, but I may have witnessed my son go through something potentially upsetting, painful or frustrating.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Every poem that I write is about something that has happened to Max, his behavior or how he’s feeling in different situations. Some are even about how his behavior has made me feel or sometimes it’s just about Autism.
I have a website, a Facebook page and an Etsy shop called ‘Autism Through Poetry’. I can create my poems on a canvas, in a framed print, on a wooden block and desktop plaques. I have also been asked to write bespoke poems for friends which makes them specific to the individual including their names and using their photographs as backgrounds. I have also donated my poems to different charities and events helping raise awareness about Autism and money for that charity.
I have had five poems published in the Autism Parenting Magazine so far this year; and I believe another one will be published next month also!
My business is just getting started, but the feedback I have received is very positive, and I hope that I am helping people along the way while creating a successful business!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4315 WATERLILY CT
- Website: www.autismthroughpoetry.com
- Phone: 8324519353
- Email: rachel@autismthroughpoetry.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/autismthroughpoetry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/autismthroughpoetry
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