AMAB January-March 2021
Issue #14
Autism Moms Are Beautiful
e l o h c Ni Founder & Editor-in-Chief for AMAB Magazine
The Celebration Issue
04 Editor's Note 07 Â Nichole Wilson 27 Confessions 32 Beautiful Quotes 35 Bryan Carroll 40 The Decaf Segment
CELEBRATION
ISSUE
Iand am appreciation here to showtomysome love fabulous Autism Moms! MUA:
Marc
MHB
Maxwell's
of
Nichole
Harvey
Cosmetics
Photoshoot
facility:
House
Abilities
Dress
Chloe
photo
by:
Dao
credit::
www.chrisjonesvisuals.com
chrisjonesvisuals@gmail.com
www.amabmagazine.com
Editor's Note I decided to make this issue a celebration issue. When I started Autism Moms Are Beautiful, I was excited to meet new moms and establish long lasting friendships. Providing free photoshoots to moms along with free makeovers brought joy and tears to my eyes. We are stressed out to the max. Some people call us whiners and even refer to us as "seeking unnecessary attention".
We will continue to ignore any negative
expressions that come our way! The one thing I want everyone to know is, many of us have to battle constantly for our children to receive services from therapists in various school districts, battle with Principals and the Special Education department for fair treatments that are not guided by a stage show and a lying fest. We love our babies! Our hearts are always beating extra fast in fear of what is going on with our children while they are away from us. I am a mother who is here to love and honor other mothers with a simple: You matter and you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work ladies and a special thanks to all of you who contributed articles, interviewed with me and provided loving support. For this issue I am celebrating some Autism Moms I interviewed for the magazine and my quarterly contributing writers! We are Beautiful and we Rock!
le o h c i N
MUA:
Marc
MHB
04
Harvey
Cosmetics
Thank you so much Maxwell's House for letting AMAB Magazine rent your facility for the photoshoot for Nichole! Please reach out if you are in need to rent a facility for meetings, photoshoots, private parties and much more!
"2020 taught me so much about myself and I thank the Creator for all the lessons and blessings!" As time went on, the power of paranoia kicked in. Thinking about the what if, the who, the when and all the negative things that go through a parents mind while raising a child who is non-verbal. All of MUA:
Marc
these negative thoughts made me cry everyday!
Harvey
le o h c i N MHB
Cosmetics
While having these thoughts in mind, I was also not getting sleep, worried about my child while at school because I am receiving calls of her behavior being out
I LOVE AUTISM MOMS
of control and every time she would go off with her father I worried since I never knew where she was while in his care. My mind was racing and my stress level was rising. I woke up one day and decided, If I
Everyone wants to know what I was doing before I
keep this up I will be one dead woman! Something
became a mother. Well, I was living the life. Not
hit me to think about how I could not possibly be the
really, ha! ha! I was and still is a simple, down to
only mother going through this.
earth lady! I didn't do much but work, singing at various spots around the U.S., showcasing my stage
Before I created Autism Moms Are Beautiful, I
productions and enjoyed hanging out with friends.
wanted to do something for myself. My life has
One day I woke up and decided I wanted to leave
always been centered around pleasing others and
America when my song was getting a little
being a follower in certain situations. Going back to
recognition here in the states. I never made it out of
school would be something I could do for myself
the states because I was pregnant so I had to reinvent myself!
without the approval of anyone. So I did it! When I
I remember when Zeni' was diagnosed and the first
create a platform for Mother’s raising children on the
completed my Bachelors in Leadership, I decided to spectrum to feel free to be themselves! I also wanted
thing that came to mind was, my spirit can handle
to show them that through all the pain, hurt and of
this because I have worked with special needs
course learning to love my baby the way she is, I can
children my entire adult years, so this won't be hard.
offer them an example of completing something that
As time went on I started to see myself on the other
was just for me. The emails were coming back to
side, not part of the support team in education but
back and I found myself answering loving questions
now the parent! As someone working in the school
with supportive responses. While doing this I
district to now being the parent raising a special
gained so many new friends.
needs child is so different.
07
e l o h Nic “As I am getting older, I am happy with staying at peace and raising my baby girl. I have encountered so much stress and I have to now keep people away from me that will do more harm than good to exist as long as I can to support and love my Zeni' (pronounced Zen Eye)." — Nichole
MUA:
Marc
MHB
Harvey
Cosmetics
I was so open to love and receive love. I even got back into the dating game. Then the creation of the Autism Mom Anthem came‌ "Autism Moms Rock"! I enjoyed recording the song! So many moms shared the song and sent me messages thanking me and expressing to me how wonderful it was to know someone gets it! I want to continue to inspire Autism Moms and all ladies to never give up! Keep up the good work ladies!
Dress by: Robi Girls
MUA: Marc Harvey MHB Cosmetics
Ana Esparza
Photo credit: Ruben Stunner
"Ana Esparza started it all! Thank you so much for sharing your journey as a breast cancer survivor! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Nichole
Ashlee Viesca
"Ashlee Viesca gave me so much life and shows so much support for Autism Moms. She was the secretary and I enjoyed every minute I was able to spend with her. I also thank her for showing off her dance moves in Autism Moms Rock music video. Thank you Ashlee. You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!"
Nichole
Photo by:: Ruben Stunner
THANK YOU NICHOLE!
YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU ROCK! TTHANK YOU You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
photo by: Point & Click photography
"In the beginning stages of Autism Moms Are Beautiful I would speak to this beautiful and awesome mom on a daily bases and she would help me with Autism Moms Are Beautiful! You are truly an amazing lady!" Nichole You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
Donna Shatara Porshe
Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Winter 2019 Issue! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
photo by: Point & Click photography
THANK YOU CHRISTINA!
YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU ROCK! TTHANK YOU You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
"Belinda truly keeps me laughing. I joined her and Candice Webb support group, Special Moms some years back and she truly is a beautiful and loving lady. I'm happy to call her my friend. You have to watch Belinda because she is quick with her hands when it comes to snapping pictures. She catches me off guard every time!" Nichole You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
Belinda Hernandez
Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Winter 2020 Issue! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
photo by: Ross Grant
THANK YOU Julie
YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU ROCK! TTHANK YOU You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
Candice Webb "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Fall 2019 Issue! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks! Candice is one of the most peaceful souls I have met in a long time. She always gives me a different way to look at situations and her heart is so loving! I am excited and thankful for all the love she contributed to AMAB Magazine!" Nichole
Candice photo by: Michelle Media
"My beautiful sister Haley! We met via Facebook and have an everlasting bond. Thank you for all of your help with kicking off the first Award Ceremony, expanding my email list, helping me get awards and so much more! You are truly a wonderful lady, sister and friend! Thank you! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Nichole
Haley photo by: Michelle Media
Marilyn Elaine Jones-Hatton "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Spring 2018 Issue! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks! We both have been knowing each other for over 20 years. We both have love for children on the spectrum and love the Deaf Community. Thank you so much for the late night talks and funny times together. You are truly an amazing woman!� Nichole
Marilyn photo by: Michelle Media
Overcoming
get
the
your
best
child
about
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with
more
to
that
by
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with
Like
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friend,
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Book can be purchased online at www.amazon.com
with
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involved
parenting
us.
experiences
three
and
emotions
Be
the
moms—who
deal
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of
also
advocates—share
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disabilities,
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dealing
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Inspired
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THANK YOU Syleena
YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU ROCK! TTHANK YOU You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
Syleena Photo by: Tony Tyus
rity b e l Ce ion Edit
THANK YOU MiMi
YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU ROCK! TTHANK YOU You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
MiMi photo by: CatHarperPhotography@gmail.com
Sonia Esmeralda Thomas "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful. I appreciate you for the love and support you brought to AMAB Committee Team. I am so thankful for you! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks! " Nichole
Confessions of an Autism Mom Covid 19 and this vaccine! I am so scared. Many people are saying to me it is for the best. My fear is I just hate vaccines. I just can't handle letting my baby get it. I pray so hard asking God to help me with this burden and stress.
Share your thoughts with us at amabmagazine@gmail.com. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. All submissions become the property of AMAB Magazine.
27
Angela Kimble
"Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful. Thank you also for being on the committee team for 2019-2020. You are truly an amazing woman and You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Nichole
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THESE BEAUTIFUL LADIES FOR BEING PART OF THE COMMITTEE FOR 2019-2020 YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU ROCK! TTHANK YOU You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!
Photo by: Point & Click Photography
Kiesha
Gonzales-Carr
"Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Summer 2020 Issue! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks! This beautiful mama is always smiling, keeps everyone excited and believes in support and encouragement. She is truly awesome and she is an Autism Mom who Rock!" Nichole
Photo by: Point & Click Photography
Dondra Stang "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Spring 2019 Issue! Dondra is an Autism Mom who Rocks! I remember when I first met Dondra, she welcomed Zeni' and I with open arms and was the first person I left Zeni' with outside of our family! She truly loves Zeni' and I thank Dondra for sharing her love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful." Nichole
Photo by: Michelle Media
y ve an o n’t ha ot going t o d u n o y ’re “If ” , you ence nything. d i f n co do a n Diggs fo – Ste
“Th e is b circul a ette r th tion o f an th con – Ja of mo e circ fidenc n ula e me tion s M ey.” adi son
“Get m doing ore confid ence things by th fright at excite a nd e n y o – Jess ica W u.” illiam s
es reat ds c s in r o nes in w ess. ess e. Kind oundn n d c f n “Ki fiden s pro reates con create iving c in g king n thi ndness love.” i u K o Tz – La
el you fe make n a r c u e o “No on r without y inferio .” t consen sevelt o nor Ro – Elea
“I h a ve my l a confid ence stan ife that abou ding com t es tall o n my from own fe two – Jan et.” e Fo nda
32
"Tracey is an Autism Mom who taught me so much. I remember laughing so hard the first day I met her and every time I would speak with her on the phone she would keep a smile on my face. Her sponsorship, support and love for Autism Moms Are Beautiful will never be forgotten. Thank you Tracey for your love and support. You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Nichole
Photo by: Point & Click Photography
Jennifer "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Fall 2019 Issue! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Nichole
Photo by: Point & Click Photography
"God is my rock and foundation along with my daughter."
Bryan Carroll
Motivational Speaker
photo credit: Bravo Roots Film
The world is filled with many individuals who believe in the power of encouragement and inspiration. Bryan Carroll is a motivational speaker who supports empowerment and believes in positive changes. Many of you know him from Ready To Love, Season 3 on Own Network, but here in Houston we know him as the man with a master plan! Nichole Wilson: When did you realize you had the gift to motivate and encourage others? Bryan Carroll: I started to realize this gift when people kept gravitating towards me and expressing to me that I was an inspiration to them. My encouragement comes from wanting people to feel happy and safe. As a child growing up without my father, I always wanted to infuse love and positivity into others. NW: What motivates and encourages you to never give up and keep going? BC: I truly believe adversity builds character and I refuse to give up. I’m just not built like that and I believe that if you give up once it gets easier to continue doing it. NW: Who inspires you to continue on the path of greatness? BC: God is my rock and foundation along with my daughter. I also know that my students look up to me and I may be the only positive example they have experienced. NW: Autism Moms and Dads are stressed and doing all they can to stay strong and keep going. What encouraging words can you give them? BC: I would encourage any parent to understand the blessing that comes along with a child. I encourage them to make sure they are viewing autism as a special super power that their kids have. It is important for them to continue to educate themselves about autism so they can continue to be a great resource for their children. 35
Maria Merrick "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful. I appreciate the articles you share every quarter to encourage, educate and inspire Autism Moms and Dads! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Nichole
Gayle Fisher "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful. If you ever get the pleasure to be around Gayle, you will feel her beautiful spirit and peaceful vibe! She is truly amazing! I appreciate the articles you share every quarter to encourage and inspire Autism Moms! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!"
Nichole
Jess WesselBorgic "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful. I appreciate the articles you share every quarter to encourage and inspire Autism Moms! Autistic Moms Rock!" Nichole
Giset King "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful. I am so thankful for you. I appreciate the spice you brought to Autism Moms Rock music video and your continuous love for Autism Moms! My favorite phrase for Giset is, 'my beautiful Puerto Rican Princess'. You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Nichole Photo by: Point & Click Photography
FLA SHB ACK
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AUTISM DADS ROCK Thank you to all the Autism Dad's for contributing an article and showing love to AMAB Magazine 2017-2020
Raul
AUTISM DADS ROCK
Jesse Lopez
Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.
Titus King
Jose Hernandez
Marcus Boyd "Autistic Dad"
Seth Kieffer
Greg Swindell
Steve Levine
Joseph Gonzalez
"Sidra is an Autism Mom who always brightened my day when I am around her. We were able to spend some good times together in her home talking about life and how to continue to stay positive! Her sponsorship, support and love for Autism Moms Are Beautiful. Thank you Tracey for your love and support. You are an Autism Mom who Rocks!" Photo by: Point & Click Photography
Nichole
Marta Brain "Thank you for sharing your love with Autism Moms Are Beautiful for our Spring 2019 Issue! You are an Autism Mom who Rocks! Thank you for contributing an article every quarter! I am so thankful for you. Autistic Moms Rock!"
Nichole
Photo by: Point & Click Photography
Happy Valentine's Day