Parenting a Special Needs Child. Reflections from Fundacion Autismo Aruba's Parent Support Group

Raquel Lesire, Byron Lesire, Antoniette Geerman, Stephany van der Biezen-Croes, Marije Jansen

Autism Support Group for Parents

​On November 4th, I, Antoniette Geerman, GZ psychologist, joined Marije Jansen, an autism specialist and family therapist, at the parent support group of Fundacion Autismo Aruba. For the first time, I openly shared my journey as a parent of a special needs child.

I spoke about those sleepless nights, where I seemed to have watched every YouTube video about autism. I reflected on the internal conflict of being a mother who wanted the best for her child and a professional psychologist recognizing that something was different. I grieved the healthy child I had longed for and wished for and began the journey of learning to accept my child fully as he is, a journey that continues to this day.

What surprised me was how emotional it felt to say these things out loud. But in that moment, I felt an incredible bond with the other parents, knowing I am not alone. The worries, pain, and concerns we carry as parents of children with autism are shared.

Autism Challenges and Insights We Shared 
In Aruba, much still needs to be done to provide adequate care and support for children with autism. One recurring theme in the discussion was the immense pressure of feeling like you cannot afford to leave this world because your child depends on you so deeply.

This is where Marije stepped in with her valuable expertise. Having worked at Autimaat in the Netherlands, she shared insights into the neurodivergent brain: its unique way of processing information, forming links, and creating files. Most importantly, she reminded us that there is hope. There are strategies to help manage challenging behaviors and make life more predictable for both children and parents.

One concept that stood out for me was the importance of the "VIPs" (Very Important People) in our children’s lives. Marije asked, "Should something happen to you, does your child know where to turn? Who else in their life truly understands them?" As parents, we often feel like we are the only ones who can understand our children. Perhaps unconsciously, we fail to promote these VIP relationships. I know I struggle with this myself, feeling that only I can truly understand my son.

Practical Tools: “Geef me de 5”
Marije also introduced us to the "Geef me de 5" method, created by Colette de Bruin. This approach provides a structured way to understand and manage behaviors by making life more predictable for children with autism. The method focuses among others, on five key elements to create clarity: Who, What, Where, When, and How. By breaking down situations into these elements, both children and parents can navigate daily life more effectively.

Looking Ahead: Family Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
If you’re interested in learning more about these strategies or how we can support you, your family and your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out. A warm and special thank you to Fundacion Autismo Aruba (FAA) for their efforts and dedication, together, we can continue to build support where parents and professionals work hand in hand to provide the best possible care for our children and the autism community. Be sure to visit FAA's Facebook page to stay updated on their latest activities and initiatives!
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Let’s keep the conversation going. You are not alone.
If you'd like to learn more about the "Geef me de 5" method or attend a session, contact us through our link.

Saludo cordial, 
Antoniette Geerman