by Christina Collura “If they can’t learn the way we teach – maybe we should teach they way we learn”. A quote that I always lived by and it became even more apparent after my son’s Autism diagnosis. My name is Christina Collura, I am a mom of two boys, a full-time educator, turned Autism advocate and an award-winning entrepreneur. I was married for almost 12 years and in that time, faced the most challenging realization – my youngest son is Autistic. At that time, I was also dealing with Stage 4 endometriosis which required extensive surgery to even be able to tackle the ups and downs of my son’s diagnosis and of course, my own life, insecurities and anxiety. With Luca (my son’s) diagnosis came the “AH-HA” moment, and a turning point that went back to the very quote that you read at the beginning. Luca’s diagnosis wasn’t going to be a barrier, but simply a leaning curve for everyone that he encountered- figuring out how he needed to learn. This completely changed my mentality both professional and personally and made the quote even more blinding! Luca loved the texture and using chalk as a catalyst for coloring, scribbling etc.He could spend all day scribbling and doodling on my driveway. I decided to put that interest to good use and apply it to a wooden name puzzle. I hand painted a chalkboard base to the indented spaces of the puzzle – and watched his fine motor skills develop – with not being able to go “out of the lines” as he wrote the letters in his name L-u-c-a. 4 weeks later – this spiraled onto paper and my mind was blown! How did I just come up with an idea to help my son to learn to successfully write his name? I took this idea – literally googled a manufacturer overseas (who turned out to be one of the biggest in China), got a prototype made for and Uppercase and Numbers 1-20 puzzle (with a chalkboard base) and brought the successful concept into my Kindergarten classroom and saw the same success!! The difference was – many other children – both on and off the spectrum – wanted to play!! An inclusive product concept that just brought children of all needs and abilities together! Did I just do this? Facing my own obstacles, demons, fears, I took the idea and ran with it. We are currently a fast-growing brand with a patented concept that is reaching more and more children, while advocating and spreading inclusivity along the way. Throughout this process, I continue to look back and realize that I am the only one that could have made this happen. People often ask me “how did I get here?”.My response is always “one day at a time”. That stands true with battling the challenges of Autism everyday! I continue to learn and grow with my son – one day at a time. Being named Top 100 Inspirational Woman through my work with Autism Awareness, An RBC Woman of Influence Nominee, Mom’s Choice Award Winner, Parent’s Pick Award Winner, Total Mom Pitch Top 100 (to name a few) – I continue to have pinch me moments – but the reality is – it all comes back to the one decision I made after my son’s diagnosis – to figure out how he needed to learn! That was the most important decision I made with that tough diagnosis. I inspire all woman out there to make the best possible decision for both you and your family. Forget about what everyone else is going to think – and decide your own path and go for it! You’ll never be disappointed for trying – you’ll be more disappointed for not! Becoming a successful entrepreneur while raising an autistic child requires resilience, adaptability, and a unique set of skills. Here are some key ideas that I continue to draw upon from such a journey Resilience and Perseverance
Never Give Up: The journey is filled with challenges, from balancing parenting responsibilities with business demands to overcoming societal stigma. Resilience is key.
Embrace Failures: Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures can propel growth and improvement.
Time Management and Prioritization
Effective Time Management: Balancing business and personal responsibilities requires meticulous planning and prioritization.
Delegation: Learning to delegate tasks in business and seeking support in parenting (e.g., from family, friends, or professional caregivers) is crucial.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Stay Adaptable: Both business and parenting can be unpredictable. Being flexible and adaptable helps in navigating sudden changes and challenges.
Creative Problem-Solving: Finding creative solutions for both business hurdles and parenting challenges can make a significant difference.
Advocacy and Awareness
Raise Awareness: Being an advocate for autism awareness can create a supportive community and potentially open business opportunities.
Network and Connect: Building a strong network of other parents, professionals, and business connections can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Self-Care and Mental Health
Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of oneself is crucial to avoid burnout. This includes finding time for rest, hobbies, and mental health care.
Seek Professional Help: Therapy or counseling can provide support for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being.
Financial Management
Smart Financial Planning: Careful financial planning and budgeting are essential to manage both business expenses and the costs associated with raising a child with special needs.
Seek Funding and Grants: Exploring available funding, grants, or financial aid for both business and autism-related needs can provide additional support.
Education and Learning
Continuous Learning: Keeping up with both business trends and the latest in autism research and therapies can provide valuable insights and strategies.
Leverage Resources: Utilizing available resources such as online courses, support groups, and business mentorship programs can aid in personal and professional growth.
Empathy and Compassion
Empathetic Leadership: Leading with empathy and understanding can create a positive work environment and build strong relationships with clients and employees.
Teaching Inclusivity: Promoting inclusivity and understanding within the business can set a positive example and create a supportive community.
Celebrating Small Wins
Celebrate Milestones: Recognizing and celebrating small victories, both in business and personal life, can boost morale and provide motivation to keep going.
Practice Gratitude: Maintaining a positive outlook and practicing gratitude can improve overall well-being and provide a sense of accomplishment.
You really are your own worst critique; but I also know I have one (two) sweet boys that need my drive and dedication! I need it too! You can and will do it – you just need to put your mind to it to become the most “unstoppable” version of yourself!
Christina Collura
Full Time Educator of 20 years
CEO AND FOUNDER – Creative Beginning www.creativebeginning.ca
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