hey, hi, hello!

I'm Kathy. Mom of 3, coffee addict + socially anxious extrovert.

In 2016 one of my children was diagnosed with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder. Though I was surrounded by supportive family and friends; I felt completely alone. None of them could actually relate to what I was going through. What helped me through that time was hearing stories of people who had been through a similar experience and found their way to a more hopeful and positive side of autism.

Since that time I have become optimistic about my child’s diagnosis, and the impact autism can have on society as a whole. I have been able to connect with some incredible therapists, met some amazing talents in the research field, and have learned so much from books, seminars and info sessions.

My goal is to share my experiences in the hope that it benefits someone else in their journey. To cultivate a community where we can celebrate the joys and successes, but also the fears and challenges of ASD. Grab a coffee so we can caffeinate and navigate autism together!

can you relate?

Even though I had a lot of support from friends and family; I felt completely alone

Sometimes having a child with special needs can be very isolating. When you start your motherhood journey with friends who have typical kids, you can feel left behind.

After you’ve received that diagnosis, your life is changed forever. There is so much to learn, so many things other parents don’t need to worry about. So much uncertainty and unknown.

The Autism Edit is a place where you can share your experiences with parents in a similar situation, find resources to help with your child’s development, and to know that it’s really hard sometimes, but you’re not alone!

growth is possible

Over the years I've connected with many therapists researchers

When our paediatrician initially suggested our child was autistic, I was heart broken. I was also seven months pregnant with our third child. Feeling overwhelmed is an understatement.

Aside from totally outdated stereotypes, I knew nothing about autism. How could my child possibly have it? But deep down, I knew he did. Now that someone else had said it out loud, I couldn’t unknow it.

Years have passed and I have learned so much in that time. Now I get excited to talk about the different therapy approaches we’ve tried, what’s worked and what hasn’t. Every child is different, results aren’t guaranteed, but sharing knowledge is powerful.

You don’t have to do it alone

kind words

“

I've always felt guilty about it because no one ever talks about it.

My husband and I have always worried about not being able to be empty nesters too. I've always felt guilty about it because no one ever talks about it. We are also mourning that loss of freedom.

- Instagram DM

It's nice to have someone to relate to and feel less alone.

I've been so stressed about my son's speech. I don't talk about it with my other friends and it's hard to watch his pals achieve those milestones while he struggles. I'm happy for my friends, but it's nice to have someone to relate to and feel less alone.

- Instagram DM

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learn more about my experience

The Autism Edit is a community for those affected in some way by ASD. While I can’t speak for autistic people, and I don’t know what it’s like for all parents, I am happy to share my experiences and perspective. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch.

forget reading, listen in

You're busy, I totally get it!

Parenting a child with autism can be isolating. The podcast is a safe space where we can discuss our joys and successes, as well as our fears and the downsides of the diagnosis.

If you don’t have time to sit and read, you only get quiet time when you’ve got headphones in or you’re driving the car, the podcast is for you. Get all the tips, resources and advice about parenting and autism while you make dinner or fold the laundry.

every purchas helps the autism community

Visit the Shop

We partner with local Canadian companies to bring you curated goods that give back to the community. 10% of net proceeds are donated to our charity partner. We are currently partnering with The Centre for Autism Services Alberta.

Kathy

the founder

When I’m not reading under a blanket, hiding out from cold Alberta winters or doing school drop offs, you can find me in the kitchen. I’ll be catching up on the dishes from last night, falling behind on the laundry in favour of my Instagram feed, or making a fort for my kids.

Some of my favourite things in the world include family (I’m the youngest of four), laughing at my husband’s dad jokes and staying indoors. I also love overdosing on caffeine until I can physically feel that I’ve had too much and then regret it immediately.

LOCATED IN AB, Canada

COFFEE ORDER Vanilla Latte

ENNEAGRAM 2W3

alanah

ask for help

tracy

carrie

Andie

alanah

speech & language

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LOCATED IN Sunny LA

COFFEE ORDER Black

ON REPEAT New Coldplay

tracy

occupational therapy

LOCATED IN Sunny LA

COFFEE ORDER Black

ON REPEAT New Coldplay

carrie

child psychology

LOCATED IN Sunny LA

COFFEE ORDER Black

ON REPEAT New Coldplay

andie

therapy dog

Andie joined our family in May of 2018. While she is still a young pup, she has matured beyond her years and become a very important part of our therapy approach. Her calm and loving nature has been a welcome addition to our family, and especially to the lives of our children.

Andie is not a certified therapy dog, and thus any of her recommendations should not be considered professional advice. While she is an integral part of The Autism Edit team, we can’t always endorse her methods. Especially when those methods occasionally include digging through the trash.