Having an invisible disability and raising a child with a disability, plus bonus neurodivergent kids - Meet Rebecca Vitsmun

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Rebecca Vitsmun is an autistic author living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Congenital Stationary Night Blindness. (CSNB from a mutation at my SLC24a1).
In 2015 Rebecca was awarded the Humanist Visionary award.
In 2016 she was awarded the Atheist Impact Award recipient.
Rebecca is the Secretary of the Board of LymeTV and volunteers through many local organizations.
Rebecca lives in Tacoma, WA with her spouse and their five children, two cats, and leopard gecko.

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Valerie Anne converses with Rebecca Vitsmun, author of Eliza D's Universes. They discuss the importance of normalizing growth and self-development within families, Rebecca’s journey in writing her children's book, and the personal inspiration behind it. Rebecca shares her experiences with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and how early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference. She also emphasizes the value of support systems and medical care for managing EDS.

Key Points:

1. Rebecca’s Special Needs Mom Journey:
   • It took 15 months to diagnose her son who has GI issues. When Rebecca married her son’s father, she became a parent to three neurodivergent kids.
2. Rebecca's Inspiration for Her Book:
   • Rebecca wrote Eliza Dee's Universes after realizing her children hadn't read her work. The book, aimed at children, is inspired by her experiences with EDS and autism.
   • The character Eliza Dee faces similar challenges but with the support and knowledge that Rebecca didn't have growing up.
3. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Insights:
   • Rebecca discusses the challenges of EDS, a connective tissue disorder affecting various body systems.
   • Early diagnosis and appropriate medical care, including physical and occupational therapy, can prevent long-term issues.
   • Raising awareness about EDS is crucial, especially among medical professionals.
4. Advice for Parents:
   • Rebecca advises parents to relax and focus on the present, emphasizing that worrying about potential future problems isn't helpful.
   • She shares how celebrating small victories and maintaining a positive outlook can improve family life.

Rebecca Vitsmun's Book: Eliza Dee’s Universes

Connect with Rebecca:

https://rebeccavitsmun.com

https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.vitsmun

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccavitsmun/

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/