The Heep Hong Society has produced four videos featuring the stories of caregivers, including Cherry Anne Vega. This video series responds to the Social Welfare Department’s “Carers Support Action” programme from 2015 to 2016 and the Carers’ Month in October.
This film showcases the resilience and love of a mother who is ready to face the challenges of raising two sons with autism. It highlights her journey of learning how to manage this situation and sharing her insights with other parents facing similar circumstances.
Vega is a Filipino mother raising two sons with autism. When she noticed differences in her sons’ behaviour, she sought a doctor’s evaluation, which confirmed the autism diagnosis. Understanding the importance of early intervention, she reached out for help, knowing it was crucial for her sons’ development and for equipping their family for daily life. She strives to understand what her children are experiencing, recognising that many children with autism struggle to express their emotions, which can lead to tantrums. As parents of an autistic child, they need to be equipped with strategies and knowledge to communicate effectively.
When her sons were suspected of having autism, she had no idea what parenting challenges lay ahead. Although she was prepared for significant life changes, like many parents of children with autism, she did not anticipate the additional fears and worries that would arise.
Vega firmly believes that early intervention is key to a child’s development, enabling them to receive timely support. She encourages parents to appreciate their children’s strengths, maintain an open mind, and bravely seek the help they need, demonstrating a selfless and resilient spirit of care
To navigate this journey, she began reading books about autism, conducting online research, and seeking comfort in knowledge, as well as sharing experiences with other parents.
She firmly believes in maintaining an optimistic outlook and actively engages in practices that support this mindset. One key aspect for her is the idea that knowledge is power. To empower herself in raising her sons, she participated in parenting courses offered by the Heep Hong Society. Through this learning experience, she has come to understand that the challenges her sons face are not a reflection of her parenting style. This knowledge not only equips her with better tools for communication but also fosters more productive interactions with social workers, therapists, and schools.
In addition to seeking knowledge, she makes good use of visual supports to alleviate her sons’ anxiety. This approach has been particularly effective in addressing various issues, such as sleep difficulties, toileting challenges, and special dietary needs. By employing these tools, she creates a more supportive environment that caters to her sons’ specific requirements, ultimately helping them navigate their daily challenges with greater ease.
Recognising that parenting can be overwhelming, she reminds herself not to judge her feelings of confusion or sadness. It is entirely normal to feel lost, especially when dealing with new diagnoses. She emphasises the importance of taking breaks when necessary; finding moments to breathe allows her to calm her mind and shift her focus from stress to the present. These practices collectively contribute to her ability to maintain a positive outlook while raising her children.
Vega firmly believes that early intervention is key to a child’s development, enabling them to receive timely support. She encourages parents to appreciate their children’s strengths, maintain an open mind, and bravely seek the help they need, demonstrating a selfless and resilient spirit of care. SE
