Her heart supplies flow to remote extremities not her own. Life beyond her own requires all she can give, all of the time, for the rest of her life. A new reality not familiar but all encompassing. She is the caregiver and life support for a child with autism. She is a Mother. In the shadow of the crowd she flows an internal stream of strength and resourcefulness. Joy is derived in the brief triumph of society’s perceived common performance, and sorrowful familiarity consumes her soul in clearing hurdles too high for the neurotypical masses. She is unobserved, often ridiculed, and apart from the crowd yet her strength and beauty resides above the noise of ‘normal’ and her soul finds respite in Gods gracious stronghold. She rises to her lifelong lot and delights in the fragility of life that often passes others understanding. Though often tired, her senses are keenly awake! She is a beacon, a heroine seen and respected by those, like her, forging life’s path for her child.
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Jennifer had a long career in TV Broadcasting. Upon learning her oldest son Sam had a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, she left her career and became a full-time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her family and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids, as well as a documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for School-age Children Diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She formed the nonprofit Asperger101 to provide on-going free resources related to ASD at Aspergers101.com and has implemented the Texas Driving with Disability Program and continues to grow the statewide initiative today. She and her husband have recently retired to their property in the Texas Hill Country.