When Nichole begin navigating her path as a new mother, she cherished the common celebratory moments and pressed past the typical challenges. Like most, she had a few uncertainties, but she never imagined her personal milestones would pave the way for her to make a difference for mothers across the world.
After learning her daughter was autistic, Nichole vigilantly educated herself and others about the ups, downs, facts and fiction of what it means to be the parent of an autistic child. Unsatisfied with merely disseminating information, she founded a non-profit organization, Autism Moms Are Beautiful, launched an online magazine on their behalf, created celebratory events to honor both moms and dad and created and starred in a viral video that is taking social media by storm.
Knowing Nichole personally since 7 yrs. old, I’ve enjoyed watching her soar from simply intriguing to sensational champion as she advocates for those who need it most. Keep reading to find out what really makes this phenomenal woman our first #dreamCatcher for 2019 in her own words. We honor you Nichole Wilson. Thank You for showing us how to achieve the impossible and turn our dreams into reality!
Learn more about Autism Moms Are Beautiful by visiting www.amabeautiful.org!
What do you feel are your personal and/or professional callings? How did you know?
At this moment, my walk of life is connecting, bonding and surrounding myself with souls who can spiritually drive my spirit. With this drive, I want to uplift and inspire Autism Moms to remember they are enough and to do their best. Helping people requires no spotlight – just a bright light sprinkling over beautiful souls in need of a little love. As an Autism Mom, I cried many nights, drowning myself in sadness and asking The Creator, “What did I do to deserve this stressful life?” After spending many tearful nights consuming two to three cups of any alcoholic beverage in my path, it occurred to me that I was causing my own grief. Prayer helped me heal and allowed me to see the situation differently. I came out of my slump and begin to wonder, “If this is happening to me, what is happening to other Autism Moms?”
What was the defining moment that compelled you to choose this direction? What cemented your passion?
I was inspired by tokens of appreciation and awards for hard work that many will never receive. Too many Autism Moms couldn’t tell you the last time they felt pretty in an enchanted dress and danced around with a peace of mind, sat on a seat of enchantment and just enjoyed self-love for a moment. The daily activities of an Autism Mom often include limited sleep, continuous child meltdowns, frequent doctor visits, countless calls from schools requesting early pick-ups, scarce babysitters, lack of family support and the list goes on. These moms are not giving up, but they are experiencing depression and at times, feelings of worthlessness. I went into my own stash of cash and decided to just give my own gifts and add daily expressions that could encourage others.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
They would be surprised to know that I have been shamed for being kind, ostracized for being real, and I’ve wrestled with suicidal thoughts. As a child, I was shut down for my curiosity, and my family dismissed my talents. In spite of my challenges – I fell in love with Rock n’ Roll! Music soothes my soul!
If you had a catch phrase, what would it be?
“I am human. I am not perfect, but I am love.”
When people see what you’re striving for, what would you want them to keep in mind? What can they do to help support this cause?
I want them to keep in mind that Autism Moms don’t need sympathy. They just want the world to know what their everyday life is like. So when you see an Autism Mom struggling with their baby in the store, on the street, at the gas station, please don’t judge them harshly. Approach and ask instead, “Is there something I can do to help you?” If see you an Autism Mom, just say, “Autism Moms Are Beautiful. You Rock, and keep up the good work.”
Dr. Carla Michelle Brown * Speaker * author * Educator 