Tabatha Taylor - Autism Role Model/Mother

An expectant mother gets the news of a lifetime; her pregnancy is good with no complications. She is healthy, the baby is vital and she is off to shop for decorations for the nursery. The day of delivery is here and even though it was rough, the outcome is second to none. She has a bouncing, healthy baby boy and life is good. She has no idea that she has been chosen for a special work and it is one that everyone will not be able to endure.

Tabitha Taylor knows all too well the challenges she has had to face and how these challenges have brought her much success. A successful business woman in her own right, Tabitha has fordged a name for herself as well as helped enhance the careers of those she comes in contact with. Her life is complete with family, friends and most importantly that of being a mother.

She has a wonderful son, Dominique who was diagnosed with Autism early in life. If you have ever come in contact with her, you would think she has not a care in the world. She is a woman of substance whose personality resonates positivity and prowess. I recently had the opportunity to interview this trail blazer. She is successfully raising an intelligent young man who is certain to make inroads in his life.


Let’s take a look,


Tabitha, Let me say that this interview is an honor for me. You are such as inspiration.
Why thank you Darian, I must say that you are doing an awesome job of promoting positivity.


Thanks so much, I am on a mission to showcase positivity. Tell our readers, where do you hail from?
I am from Shreveport, Louisiana - Cooper Road USA!!!!!


That is hilarious, only those who live in Shreveport, Louisiana can relate to Cooper Road USA. Let me ask, how did you become involved with the Autism movement?
Absolutely, I became involved with the Autistic movement when my son, Dominique was diagnosed with the disorder around the age of 3. It was a very traumatic experience for me because the prognosis that I was given for him was so grim. My son developed normally as a baby laughing and talking. He was doing all of the normal things that babies do and suddenly it all went away with no explanation.

After the diagnosis, I grieved. The help available to my child was limited and very, very expensive. I can remember crawling on my floor praying and asking God to help me because I did not know what to do. At that point, my anger fueled me and I said, “I have to do something to help my child.” I prayed to the Lord and asked for wisdom and guidance in rearing my son. I began to read, study and educate my family and friends on Autism.


By opening my mouth, I suddenly received confidence, courage and a boldness that was new to me. I realized at that point that I had to advocate not only for my baby, but for others that would not be able to speak and who could not clearly articulate their thoughts.


So you actually took this challenge and turned it around. Absolutely amazing, I can only imagine the challenges you faced.
That’s it and you know what, I knew I could make it. I asked Jesus why me and he told me that people will be able to identify with you and you are touchable. You will provide them with a level of comfort that will come through me and they will know they are valued. My son is EVERYTHING to me.


Accomplishments through Autism have been made through parents advocating like myself. The research and services are greater now than they were for my son. We still have much work to do.

Autism is expensive and unaffordable to parents that are seeking help for their children. To give an example, cost for therapies and treatments can easily run on $30,000 a year plus. This can be a heavy burden on any family. Some insurance companies have just begun to cover some of these treatments in the last three years.

Louisiana is one of them and we still have much fighting to do. The emotional and financial burden is so traumatic for some parents; it can lead to divorce, denial and bankruptcy just to name a few. When I hear of that it just makes me fight harder and stronger. I am glad that Representative Patrick Williams has taken the lead to pass legislation to help families. Support and affordable treatment is what we need along with support and that is why I am so involved.

As a Single Mother, how do you find balance within your life?
As a single mother, I balance my life of course through prayer, being with son, family and friends. I face challenges like any other parent and often it is harder. Rearing a special needs child, has its own unique set of challenges which makes my life a little different. I have been blessed to have a strong, strong support system through my family and my friends. They have been so supportive that it brings tears to my eyes.


I enjoy being a mother and like any mother, you take time for yourself when you can find it. I get my hair done and shop just like regular moms. It allows me to unwind and prepare myself for the world ahead. After I leave the shop and pick up my son, he gives me his seal of approval on my hair and it so funny to see if he likes or dislikes. I realize that until Dominique's healing manifest, this is my life and we are going to make the best of it. Providing the secure foundation that he needs keeps this ship sailing.


Tell our readers how do you deal with the challenges you face as a professional African American woman?
I face my challenges head on. I also have a great church, Word of God Ministries and my pastor James McMenis helps me keep thing in perspective. I have to stay grounded, I have to vent, laugh at myself, correct myself, and improve myself so I can continuously be an asset to the individuals I serve. We are blessed as women to have so many unique talents and gifts.

We can use those gifts not only to empower ourselves but others. Treating people nice, with dignity and respect is very important to me. I am not perfect and I listen. I learned that I will make mistakes and I take responsibility for them. Sometimes it can be painful but refreshing and I also had to realize that I am not Superwoman, so I have to learn how to relax. I have mentors that I call on who have taken this journey before me. I don't ever stop learning and strive for humility.


What are you doing to give back to the community? I have given of myself and my son together; we are one of the many faces of Autism. I am one of the people that the community knows that they can call on when their child who has exceptionality needs some help. I listen to the cry's of parents, grandparents, family and friends who would like to help their loved one (s). I give my laughter, joys, and tears as well as give my service where it is needed. I am passionate about what I do. My priority is my son. My faith and my work allow me to take care of my priority and the individuals that are a part of my life. This is what I give to my community.


In this day and age, Legends, Icons and Role Models are simply not at the forefront. Tabitha Taylor has taken a challenge that others may deem impossible and has single handedly changed the landscape of how the public views Autism.

That makes her a Dedicated Role Model and Mother.

http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/