𝙰𝚄𝚃𝙸𝚂𝙼 𝙰𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙴𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚂 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙷!!!!

Lisa Williams (mom) & Edward Trevino (son)

Lisa is the mom to 18 year old Edward who is a student with Autism. Through this interview she talks about her journey as a business owner and a mom of an autistic teen.

Her Business:

Chicago's Best Burgers

Address: 1925 W Brandon Blvd STE A, Brandon, FL 33511

"I think something that isn't discussed often is, what happens to an autistic child once he turns 18 and graduates high school? Many give attention to little ones getting their therapies but what about older kids turning into adults? One of my driving reasons of why I wanted to up my own business was so my son would have a place to work where he wouldn't be mistreated because I would always take care of him and he would work for the family business… but the big problem is, what happens when your child doesn't want to work for the family business? What happens when he wants to go out into the real world, and not be sheltered from his parents? It's so scary!!!! I was a helicopter mom for a very long time and sheltered him, and he started communicating to me that he wanted to experience life. I don't see a lot out there about the struggles of parenting and learning to let go. But I do know if I held on and kept him in a bubble, it would hold him back so much. Little-by- little he was trying to break away from me and become independent and at first I thought I was failing as a parent. I took it so hard; I cried for weeks but I realize now I wasn't failing. I was doing my part as a good parent, this is the reason why my child wants to be independent."- Lisa Williams

Short Q&A:

What is autism?

I don't even think the “Professionals” know fully the what, why and how.

How old was your child when they were diagnosed?

He was 7. He was diagnosed “development delayed” for a few years before that.

What is it like being the parent of an autistic child?

It's challenging and a blessing. I'm sure any mom would say the same.

What are some of the symptoms of Autism a Parent should look for?

Every child is different, but my son didn't like noise and would flap his hands.

What is the biggest struggle for you as a parent? What is the biggest struggle for your child?

In this season it's allowing him to make his own choices and not hold him back from independence.

How Does Your teen Communicate with You? …

Mostly with emojis 😁

What Activities Does Your teen Like?

He's a movie buff. I believe he has every Marvel movie memorized lol

What can friends, family and society do to be more supportive with an individual with autism?

I think the current support and awareness is incredible.

Anything else you want to add?

In this season we have:

uncertainty of his next steps after he graduates high school next month,

struggles of an autistic boy turning into a man,

rejection when your child no longer wants your direction and protection,

So I’ve had to learn how to let go and let God.

There’s no other way. I needed to learn that just like any other child, he needs room to develop and grow - without mommy! (so hard!!!!)

* I can answer a few questions, and we can appear on a zoom too. I’m curious to see how he’d respond. He does take A LOT of time to process before he answers, so not sure if you know how to edit video, but you might need to cut the time that it takes him to think and then respond.

Again, this is such an honor! Thank you for showing interest in our story!