Talk To Me Sis Moms of Complex Suport Needs Autism: Andrea Landreth | Talk To Me Sis #21
Jul 17, 2025
Andrea Landreth, mother of Trent with autism and creator of the Drawings by Trent platform, shares her heartfelt journey of parenting a child with complex support needs. She discusses the importance of communication and community support, emphasizing non-verbal strategies like spelling for expression. Andrea highlights the emotional dynamics within families, sibling relationships, and the evolving challenges as children grow. Her insights are a powerful reminder of the resilience needed in advocating for and understanding unique needs.
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Early Signs and Diagnosis
- Andrea noticed communication delays in Trent before his autism diagnosis around 2 years 10 months old.
- Speech therapy started early but no speech development until diagnosis confirmed his condition later.
Communication Frustration and Aggression
- Trent showed frustration increasing with age due to language limitations, leading to aggression.
- Parents instinctively met early nonverbal needs but complexities arose as communication demands grew.
Handling Aggression in Meltdowns
- Trent's aggression was unpredictable and usually directed toward the dominant person in the room.
- His parents experienced wrestling-like struggles to keep everyone safe during meltdowns.