Blog #152~Lessons From Olympian Simone Biles
After winning individual gold in the women’s gymnastics all-around on Thursday, Simone Bile’s, in an interview, made a declaration. “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps,” she said. “I’m the first Simone Biles.”
Before going to teach spinning class last week, I was rushing around the house getting ready. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the Good Morning America interview featuring gold medalist, Simone Biles at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. It struck me that this pint-sized, power house had 4 training tips that packed a lot of punch. I grabbed my coffee, pen and pad to jot down a few bullet points.
Having a child with special needs presents many obstacles in life. I’ve had my share of them with my son Nick, for the past 22 years. Nick has Down syndrome and autism. The low muscle tone (a trait of having Down syndrome) delayed him from reaching gross motor milestones until much later than most babies. He didn’t sit up until a year old, and he didn’t walk until he was 3 ½ years old. Nick had to work a lot harder to hit those targets with years of physical therapy. We’ve also spent 22 years going to speech and occupational therapy to help feeding, communication along with fine motor, sensory issues.
It has been quite a journey, which brings me back to those bullet points I scribbled down. In the Good Morning America interview, Simone offered up some advice on her training regimen. They are 4 simple lessons, and my take on they apply to raising a child with special needs:
- Enjoy the Ride
The journey isn’t always going to be easy. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and shedding tears. And that’s to be expected. But, find a way to embrace the journey. Have some fun as you go, and surround yourself with people who make you laugh.
- Never Give Up
There will be days, weeks and months where you see no progress. Sometimes mistakes will be made. That’s when you pick yourself up and trust that you can do it no matter what.
- Trust Your Squad
The fierce five huddled, cheered each other on, and believed in other. When you have a child with special needs, you have to get a good squad together to help push them to succeed. This includes the IEP team along with outside therapists. Huddle in from time to time, and always keep the lines of communication open. Make sure all the goals and dreams for your child are in sync. Parents should have their own squad of friends and support groups you feel comfortable with. Your squad understands the insurmountable pressure faced when raising a child with special needs.
4. Treat Yourself
After a competition, Simone (whether she wins or not) enjoys pepperoni pizza. Parents of special needs kids spend a lot more time and energy helping their child reach goals. It is beyond exhausting. Get a respite worker to watch your child. Find the things that you enjoy and indulge. Go out to lunch with girlfriends, get a manicure, go workout, take a trip to Target (alone), enjoy a nap, have a glass of wine. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
That’s great advice from the 19-year-old Olympian champion. Life will always have it ups and downs, twists and turns. But if you can find a way to embrace the journey, you can hit the top of that podium and be the champion of your own life and your child’s.
Nick wins the gold for the softball throw at the State Special Olympics~2003
That’s what is in my noggin this week.
~Teresa
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@Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism
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@Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 
nice post!!
Thanks for sharing. They are good points we forget sometimes.