We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taylor Carey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taylor below.
Taylor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project to date I have worked on is my book Mommies Little Genius that is coming out this year. Mommies Little Genius is a brand I started that focuses on advocating for autism and the mental health of whoever is on the spectrum and parents of those on the spectrum. I am a parent of a child on the spectrum and through trial and error I have learned so much about a subject I knew nothing about previous to my son getting diagnosed. It’s become important to me to spread the word about autism and resources so that those affected can reach their full potential through resources available. Which is why I wrote the book Mommies Little Genius. Which highlights the story of my journey finding out my son has autism. Also providing resources for those who lack the knowledge on how to get the process started on their suspicions of their child being on the spectrum.
Taylor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Autism was a subject that was foreign to me until I became aware that something was going on with my son. After his diagnosis something in me wanted to speak out about it so I randomly started posting about it on social media. In 2019-2020 I didn’t see much representation of autism from the black community on social media so I felt that’s where I fit in. When I started posting I started getting a lot of questions and people messaging for advice and resources. I constantly shared my sons journey and growth and it attracted people going through similar situations. After not being able to talk until the age of 4, my son Caleb started to hit all these milestones that at one point I didn’t think were possible. Through ABA Therapy he accomplished so much and the biggest concern, his communication sky rocketed. Through this journey I began to refer to him as a genius. Which birthed the brand Mommies Little Genius. I made the mission of the brand to use positive energy to help children on the spectrum and their parents thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally. Also to help children reach their full potential with positive environments. Through my own journey I’ve grown to understand as a parent it’s important to make sure that you pay attention to your mental health as well so that you can provide that positive environment and patience for your child so that you all can grow and thrive. So I dedicated MLG to encourage anyone going through the same thing as us to stay encouraged because at one point I was having a hard time dealing with my sons diagnosis, my own personal life and issues as a woman, and life in general. And if I can help anyone not go through the same things that is what will make me the most proud.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
There was a point in time where my son started school and because of his autism diagnosis he had a hectic schedule. From going to school in the a.m. To going to ABA in the p.m. It was a lot. A lot of traveling a lot of time. But I was focused on getting my son the help he needed and giving him the best chance to reach his milestones and be the best he can be. This busy schedule made me have to give up some hours at work. But as a mom it was more important for me to see my son get the help he needed. And I know this is a story similar to so many mothers of a child on the spectrum. I was a little uneasy about having to let go of some hours but I was secure in the fact that I was doing what was best for my son. So I always want to send encouragement to parents because being a parent of a child on the spectrum takes some extra effort and patience at times. Although it may get tough and we have some tough decisions to make. God have us a special job and we are some of the strongest people. So no matter what happens on this journey of you’re putting your best foot forward know that the reward will be a blessing. Which in our world would be our children reaching their full potential. I share more about this journey and my feelings behind it in my book.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to encourage and inspire those on the same journey as me to focus on mental health first and foremost. Autism is a tough topic and can be tough on a day to day. I want to spread the word to help the world understand my son and people similar to him. And encourage parents to not forget about their mental well being throughout this process. I created Mommies Little Genius the book to let so many other people know they aren’t alone. I’ve felt some of the feelings they may feel and to lend a helping hand to those who like me at one time has no clue what this was, where to start or how to feel.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @MommiesLittleGenius
- Facebook: Mommies Little Genius
- Youtube: She’s Taylor C