Talk To Me Sis Moms of the Spectrum Pt 1: Sandy Vielma (Dani Bowman’s Aunt) | Talk to Me Sis #08
May 1, 2025
Sandy Vielma is a devoted caregiver and aunt to Dani Bowman, who is on the autism spectrum. She shares her transformative journey, emphasizing the unique approaches and challenges of nurturing Dani’s development. The conversation highlights the role of music in learning and the impact of 'Love on the Spectrum' on familial support. Sandy discusses Dani’s transition into young adulthood, her educational achievements, and the complexities of dating, stressing the importance of community unity in advocating for autistic individuals.
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Dani's Early Nonverbal Stage
- Dani was nonverbal until age five or six and showed typical early autism behaviors like lining toys and toe-walking.
- She thought taking off in public was a hide-and-seek game, highlighting her unique perception of the world.
Music and Animation Spark Language
- Dani's teacher used music to help her form sentences, which sparked her language development.
- She learned animation by repeatedly rewinding VHS tapes and experimenting with plush toys, showing deep curiosity.
Individualized Parenting Approaches
- Dani and her sister required completely different parenting approaches due to their unique needs.
- Understanding your child's individuality is crucial since autism presents very differently even within the same family.