We Can Do Hard Things: Cate Johnson - Special Needs

Meet Jett, and his mom Cate.
Seriously, how cute are they?

Cate's little boy Jett, was diagnosed with regressive autism just before his second birthday. He developed completely typical until that point. It has been a devastating beautiful road for her little family to be on.

Q: Many times, people aren't quite sure what to say, so they tend to avoid the topic. What are some comments that people have said to you or your family that you have appreciated?

A: "Tell me how adorable my son is! I love to hear things like 'He is such a sweet boy,' or 'his smile just brightens my day!' Ask me what type of things he enjoys and loves doing. My children are my passion in life I am more than happy to talk endlessly about them." 

"One of my good friends and I used to tease that our children would grow up and get married. After Jett was diagnosed, she continued to tease about the arranged marriage of our children, it meant everything to me that she never stopped." 

"Be excited for us when are child does something that yours may have been doing for years at this point! My son potty trained just before his 5th birthday, I swear my family and friends were JUST as excited/proud as my husband and I were! When every single milestone is earned you can't help but want to celebrate them!  We have been blessed to have so many wonderful people cheering our sweet boy and us on!  Being loved and accepted is something we all need and crave."

Q: I think most people usually have good intentions, but has someone's actions ever been hurtful?

A: "I had an experience where a group of women asked if I would only bring my daughter to play groups because it was too stressful to have my son there. I think a good rule of thumb is to remember is to treat those how you would want you and your child to be treated. We will never regret being extra kind and understanding towards others. Honestly play dates often are NOT very fun.......but please know that parenting a child with "extras" can be a tricky business and at times can be very isolating.....invite us anyway." 

Q: What things have been done for you or Jett that you have appreciated?

A: “We have tried every special diet under the moon! One time at a party someone brought dairy/gluten free cookies with a tiny label with my sons name on it, I got home and sobbed. That little act of kindness did not go unnoticed. Dropping dinner off, inviting my child to a birthday party or remembering and asking about things that are going on in our lives makes us feel so loved. Dear friends that have stopped by unannounced saying they are there to "see me and not my home" and end up crying or cleaning with me. Friends that have written me nice notes saying things such as 'You are doing a good job, you are a great mom.' or instead of asking me, 'if they can do anything,' they've said, 'What time can I.....  bring dinner, tend your kiddos, go for walk together..ect' I love that because I don't feel quite as guilty taking a little reprieve from the demands of parenting a child with extras when the question is prefaced with "what time can I.." it takes all the pressure off of me and I am far more willing to except help and friendship.

Website: www.athomewithcate.com

Gift Idea

Image design: Miss Audrey Sue

I would have never guessed that a single cookie would mean so much, but as a mom, I completely understand why! When I read over Cate's answers, I realized how a treat is totally doable for anyone! So whether your planning a party, or just want to stop by with something in hand, but aren't sure where to get gluten and dairy free treats (I had no idea!), here are a couple ideas to make it easy.

• Cate recommended this cookie recipe {here}.
• Not up to baking cookies from scratch? You can order these inexpensive cookies {here} or {here}. Cate said, "Amazon is any GF mamas best friend."