Meet Kathy Heath | Autism Awareness Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Heath and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, how does your business help the community?
When I was initially faced with my child’s autism diagnosis, I felt really alone. Even though autism is a pretty common diagnosis I didn’t know anyone with an autistic child. Though I was surrounded by supportive family and friends, I felt very isolated and didn’t have anyone to relate to on that personal level. What helped was hearing stories of other people who had lived through something similar. Once I felt like I was better able to support my son, I started sharing all I had learned and being vulnerable about my parenting journey. Now I get incredible feedback when I open up about even seemingly small things that we are struggling with. The simple act of letting others see they aren’t the only ones with these challenges helps them feel seen and supported.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I became a mom, I chose to put my career aspirations on the back burner. I have sincerely enjoyed the last 11+ years I’ve had being with my kids. Though it hasn’t been easy, and I have made a ton of mistakes, I’m grateful to have had the choice to care for them full time. That being said, it can be a thankless and isolating job. So I am deeply appreciative of the ability to connect with so many others, even if they are only internet friends. Finding a community in real life is easier said than done. Especially when you have so many commitments to family. I’m most proud of the people who I have found, who have found The Autism Edit, and the support we all provide one another.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Edmonton is not something most people envy, but this city is truly a gem. You can’t ignore the abundant and stunning river valley. There are so many great places for brunch, but a favorite of mine would be pip. Renting Vespa’s is a must-do, and taking in a show while you’re in the festival city is a no-brainer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing tha

t our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Blogging and opening up about my parenting was not something I ever thought I would do. In fact, before all of this, I would have considered myself a fairly private person. I was assisting a local blogger, The Ginger Home, with her blog and one day she asked me why I wasn’t blogging myself? She inspired me to share what I knew so I could help others and give them the support I felt I had been lacking. She mentored me on how to get started in the blogging world.

Website: https://www.theautismedit.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismedit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-heath-b18b01199/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theautismedit/

Image Credits
Tracey Jazmin Andrea Hanki Haley Erdegard