Stand Up For Your Health

     On Friday (April 23rd) I was watching an episode of the doctors as they discussed an issue that is the main topic and reason for this blog - standing up for your health and your family's health. They discussed being an advocate for your children, especially with regards to autistic children, but the points discussed are relevant for anyone advocating for their health or their family's health.


     Areva Martin, one of the guests on the show, is a lawyer and mother of an autistic child who believes strongly in being an advocate for yourself and your child. In her book, The Everyday Advocate: How to Stand Up for Your Child with Autism, Martin discusses being an advocate for children with special needs. The following is an excerpt from her book about what it means to be an advocate:

The Seven Principles  
     Advocacy is not a lofty idea. It is practical work in the trenches. These seven principles can be a guide to what an advocate does--and what an advocate becomes, as a result of applying these principles. 

1.  Take Responsibility  ~ Be a leader 
2.  Learn   ~ Be an expert 
3.  Think Critically  ~ Be discerning 
4.  Speak with Authority   ~ Be pro-active 
5.  Document  ~ Be prepared 
6.  Collaborate  ~ Be a team builder 
7.  Educate  ~ Be a voice for your child  

     ... The concept of advocacy is not about changing who you are. It’s about taking specific actions that will help you achieve well-defined results.  This kind of engagement is the often unacknowledged key to the achievements of so many of the high-performing people I meet in my legal practice every day. In fact, I’m convinced it’s the secret behind each one of us achieving our full potential, not just in our journey to assist our autistic child, but in our careers, our businesses and personal lives.  

     Stephen Covey says that, if a principle is correct, "it is valid and applicable in a wide variety of circumstances.” When you see the effectiveness of the principles of advocacy in helping you stand up for your autistic child, you may be emboldened to apply them in your job, in your intimate relationships and in your business affairs. These principles can empower you in so many aspects of your life. That’s what happened to me.  In my determination to help my son, I discovered principles that profoundly changed my life. I’m willing to bet it will do the same for you. 

     The doctors had several suggestions for how to be an advocate for your health. I have listed a few of there, and my, suggestions below:

• If you are not sure about a diagnosis, or you have been given a serious/life-altering diagnosis, always seek a second opinion.
• If as a mother you feel that there is something wrong with your child, trust your instincts. If the first doctor you see doesn't listen or tells you you are being paranoid ("a first time overly worried mother") see another doctor. And another, if need be, until your concerns are heard and taken seriously.
• Write down questions you want to ask the doctor before, and/or during your appointment and ask your doctor. If there is not time, schedule a time, or extra time, to meet with your doctor to discuss your concerns or ask questions.
• If you are uncomfortable speaking up, bring a friend or a relative with you to the appointment that will speak up on your behalf or encourage you to do so.

     Know your rights, and demand to be heard. It is your health and your family's health that are affected if you don't.