Episode 77: Autism Acceptance (with Melisha Williams)

It's Autism Awareness Month, and on this episode of Shifting Perspectives, we are taking a stroll back through time with Melisha Williams, the mother of a brilliant and autistic teenage son.  Melisha opens up on her journey - the questions, the fears, and the faith. What emerges is a heartfelt story of hope and overcoming, which is what we wish for every family impacted by autism.   Melisha is now, not just an advocate for her son, but a voice for parents who are walking in similar shoes. Hers is a wonderful example of how not giving up is perhaps the best thing you can do for your autistic child. 

Guest Bio: 

Melisha Williams is an ABA specialist here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She started her journey in education in 2005 when she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in English. After 16 years, Melisha took the bold decision to step away from the classroom and dedicate her focus to Special Needs Education. Her passion for making a difference comes from the personal obstacles faced by her and her family after her son was born and later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 8.

Due to the lack of resources and the challenges that her family faced, Melisha started her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioural Analysis in 2021 and officially took the bold step of opening Oasis ABA Consultancy in June 2023. Melisha is now dedicating her time to offering support to families, spreading awareness, and gearing towards acceptance within her community.

Shifting Perspectives is a conversation with Yolande and Latasha that challenges listeners to fuel themselves with diversity in the way they think, the way they work, the way they parent and the way they live their lives.

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