Guest Editorial: A mother’s love: The story of Joanna and Edward

By the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
A mother’s love shapes the future of her child.
When Joanna first learned of her pregnancy, she and her husband were thrilled. After many failed attempts, their dreams of becoming parents were finally a reality.
Throughout her pregnancy, Joanna cherished the little person growing inside her. She didn’t realize she could love someone so much until she became a mother. When Joanna and her husband welcomed their baby boy Edward, into the world, they were in a state of bliss, until the pair learned that their perfect baby boy was not so perfect.

Joanna

Edward was just 15-months-old when Joanna found out he was on the Autism Spectrum.
Joanna knew that she could not do this alone and needed a support system so she reached out to the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) after learning about the exemplary services offered to families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DWIHNs dedication to supporting children and adults has helped Joanna go from fearful to hopeful.
Today, she is a DWIHN ambassador, advocating and speaking to community groups about mental health services and supports and Edward is as happy as can be, working in the automotive industry, thanks to the support of DWIHN and its robust network of service providers.
Programs offered by providers such as skill-building have helped Edward learn about economic self-sufficiency and daily life skills.
Today, he is independent and enjoys everyday tasks like laundry and cooking. In addition, he enjoys reading maps, traveling, design and music. His interest in traveling has allowed friends to help him plan trips.
His mom calls him her “human GPS.” His love for design has landed him a job at one of the big three automakers working as an aide. Eventually, his life goal is to become a Civil Engineer.
DWIHN and its providers have “helped Edward become a better him,” according to his mom.

Edward

Services like community living supports, medication management, respite services, therapy services, and life skills, have been a tremendous help. DWIHN has also helped Joanna empower other parents and teach them how to advocate for themselves and their children.
So what kind of advice does she offer to parents with a child with a disability?
“Don’t give up and always have expectations,” Joanna said. “They are people first. Don’t limit them and the sooner you start working with them on their abilities, their skills and talents, the better the outcome.”
Posted March 4, 2022