All Star Autism Moms: Amy Huizenga

Amy Huizenga

Jersey Shore, NJ

Amy Huizenga of Jersey Shore, NJ is our first All Star Autism Mom, and it's very easy to see why! Amy and her husband Richard formed Team Bradley in 2011 in honor of their son Bradley, who was diagnosed with autism only one year earlier. Team Bradley has been wildly successful raising money for and participating in their local Walk Now for Autism Speaks. 

Amy grew up in Upstate New York with her parents and younger brother. In addition to her younger brother, Amy also had three older half siblings. Amy loved children and always knew that she wanted a big family. She met her future husband Richard in Florida when the two became study partners in law school. They married in 2007 and started on that big family that Amy had always dreamed of. They are now the proud parents of four beautiful children and a 160 lb Bull Mastiff named Louie. Their oldest son is 5 1/2, Bradley is 4 1/2, and their daughters are 2 and 3 years old. 

I was thrilled to get the chance to interview Amy who is, in my opinion, the picture of an All Star Autism Mom. In addition to raising four children, Amy runs the Team Bradley Facebook Page and recently started The Team Bradley Book Club. This Autism Mom has made a commitment to helping families living with or affected by autism and that is why she is our very 1st All Star Autism Mom. Here's what Amy had to say:

What are your kids like?

They are all so different and have their own unique personalities, likes and dislikes. They are all sweet, funny and loving. 

What was it that made you realize that Bradley was different?

He was always “very Bradley” We really didn’t have much experience with kids other than his brother, so didn’t really know if they were just different kids or if there was something wrong. We had some concerns that we mentioned at his 2 year old well visit at the pediatrician and he failed the MCHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), so she referred us for an Autism Evaluation.  

Before Bradley, did you ever know anyone with autism and were you familiar with the condition?

No, I didn’t know anyone and didn’t know anything about it.

How did you feel when Bradley was diagnosed with autism?

It was devastating and scary but we just started moving immediately, doing everything we could for him.  

How did your family choose to treat Bradley's autism?

He immediately started Outpatient Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Through Early Intervention we had Occupational Therapy and Developmental Intervention.  

What were the 6 months after diagnosis like for your family? What things changed? What stayed the same?

We started having therapies in our home and driving him to therapy 3 days a week. 4 weeks after diagnosis we had our 4^th baby and we then had 4 kids under 3 and a half. 4 kids in diapers. Our baby had severe acid reflux, too. It was a hard time. Plus, I was reading tons about Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder so I could understand my son and how to help him.

How has Bradley changed since the diagnosis?

He has come so far. He can verbalize things that were causing him stress that we had no idea about before he could talk. He has come a long way and made great progress.

How have you changed?

I have changed a ton. I look at everything differently, seeing the world through my Autism goggles, assessing every situation ready to fix and/or handle it. Although Autism is unpredictable, I do my best to be ready. 

Has it changed the rest of your kids?

Our kids are all so young, that he's just Bradley to them. 

What advice would you give to the parent of a newly diagnosed child?

Do every therapy you can. It takes time and a lot of work by everyone but it does help. Read and learn everything. You need to know what people are talking about before you can help your child. It is impossible to effectively take part in therapies if you don’t know what is going on or you can’t recognize a problem. Focus on and celebrate strengths!

You've had amazing success raising money for Walk Now for Autism Speaks. When did you get involved with the organization and what drew you to them?

In 2010, after Bradley was diagnosed, we walked with a team from the hospital where he gets outpatient therapy. I was amazed at all the other teams there to support kids. I wanted Bradley to have that support too. Rich and I talked about it that day and we left there knowing that was what we were going to do the following year.  

What are your fundraising and recruiting goals for Team Bradley next year?

I hope to raise more than this year, which was almost $6000.00. I also want to have more than the 72 walkers we had this year. I just want to grow each year. 

What is your favorite thing about being an Autism Mom?

Meeting the other amazing Autism Moms (in real life and online) because they are the only ones that truly ‘get it’.

What are your hopes and dreams for Bradley?

That he has self confidence and finds what he is good is and excels at that, whatever it may be. And that he know how much we love and support him in everything he does.

What are your hobbies?

Reading, cooking, and working out.

Any cool accomplishments?

I completed Tough Mudder Pocono Manor in May 2012.

First three words that come to mind when you hear the word autism:

Challenge, Commitment, Amazing

You have an evening all to yourself. How do you spend it?

Eating Sushi & Reading.

Amy & Bradley, Walk Now for Autism Speaks 2012

Just For Fun....

Favorite Book: The Good Earth
Favorite Movie: Princess Bride
Favorite Song: You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Rolling Stones
Favorite Place You've Ever Traveled: New York City
Disneyland or Disneyworld: Disneyworld
Summer or Winter: Summer. I hate snow.
Morning or Night? Night.
Math or English? English
Baked or Fried? Baked.
Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke only.
Biggest Weakness: Dark chocolate
Is the glass half empty or half full? Always half full.
Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? Maybe me ;)
Favorite place to shop: Target

Visit Team Bradley on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamBradleyNJS

Visit Team Bradley 's Book Club on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamBradleyBookClub

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