Eileen Shaklee: Navigating Autism with Authenticity and Humor
She is an unlikely social media advocate hero, as she never intended for her blog to get as popular as it did, but her incredibly relatable style, her way of making parents who have a similar situation to hers feel like they aren't alone, has made Eileen Shaklee a success.
What happens when a mom combines raw honesty with a dash of humor to talk about raising an autistic child? You get Eileen Shaklee, the voice behind the popular blog 'Autism with a Side of Fries'. In this episode of 'The Lighter Side with Jay', host Jay Casale sits down with Eileen to discuss her journey from an everyday mom to a social media advocate hero.
Eileen’s blog started as a way to share her experiences and connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Her candid and no-nonsense style quickly resonated with readers, making her a comforting presence for many. Eileen opens up about her daily life with her autistic son, shedding light on the ups and downs of parenting a child with autism. She doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties but also finds moments of humor in the chaos.
This balance has made her blog a go-to resource for parents seeking both information and a sense of community. As the conversation unfolds, Eileen talks about how the pandemic has added new layers of complexity to raising a child with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of extended school year programs and summer school, which have been crucial for her son’s development. Eileen’s insights offer a glimpse into the unique challenges faced by families like hers during these unprecedented times.
By the end of the episode, you’ll feel like you’ve gained a new friend who truly understands what it’s like to navigate the world of autism. Eileen’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in sharing our experiences and supporting one another. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey and maybe even pick up a few laughs along the way.