Piecing the
Puzzle Together
Helping One Another through
the Special Needs Maze
There is a support group near you serving
Martin, St Lucie, Okeechobee, and Indian
River Counties which goes by the name “A
Mommy Corner.” It was founded by Stephanie
Symonds and Sharon Laskey in 2016. Seeing
the need in our community, we wanted to
empower, uplift and encourage other mothers
through this special needs journey.
Why the name “A Mommy Corner” and not
Mommy’s . . . because each soul of an individual
carries different burdens. Not one is the
same. The struggles are different, the stories are
different, the past and the future is different.
Each person that comes for support is not
coming for the same need. We want to be able
to cater to each person differently. The meeting
styles we have are different each month, but the
agenda is the same. Each month we feature a
guest speaker and provide information for that
agency or organization.
Here is the story behind how it started: As
a mother of three children, two of which have
special needs (autism/ADHD), life was becoming
difficult. I was a young mother looking for
support, people who understood the journey
and walked in similar shoes. I was tired of
hearing opinions from family members, friends,
and strangers. The stares, sneers, and negative
comments about my parenting style and my
children being unruly and defiant was hurtful.
I would walk into stores only to turn back
around and walk out because I was asked to
leave if my child had a meltdown or presented
sensory seeking behavior.
I would feel depressed and not want to leave
my house. I felt worthless as a mother and an
individual. I was worn out, burned out and felt
like no one understood my struggle. As a parent
of children with special needs I am constantly
fighting against the odds and battling with
taking my children to ongoing therapies and
doctors’ appointments. I go to great lengths
to research ways to allow my children the opportunity
to be typical kids, to learn how to
deal and cope with their challenges, to teach
my child to be verbal, and to get creative with
different incentives and motivators. I work to
determine how we can participate as a typical
family and go to functions and events. There
are many times I wish I had a manual to go by,
as each day is not the same. I try to find the joy
and appreciate the small things just so I can get
through each day.
I looked for a group, and couldn’t find what
I needed. So, I spoke with Cathy Allore at FAU
CARD and told her that I have the desire to
create and form a group for mothers. Cathy was
very supportive and so amazing. We are forever
in debt to her and her kind spirit.
Going strong since June 2016, we at A
Mommy Corner will always be here to support
you! We look to expand and grow with you
to support the needs of new mothers whose
children have just recently been diagnosed as
well as mothers who have been in the game for
a long time. Our goal is to serve mothers with
young, teenage, and adult children. Our individual
journeys count and support from one
another is greatly needed. We look forward to
you stepping out of your comfort zone with us
and taking a step forward while you grab life
by the hand and take control for your family’s
success. Take a step forward with us!
Treasure Coast Edition — Volume I Issue I, Winter/Spring 1