Hello & Welcome to Our Spectrum Journey!
Daniela Tripolino - Founder and President of TWRB
Creative, caring, motivated and stubborn are some of the adjectives people have used to describe me. I personally would also include protective and determined especially when it comes to my family but specifically with my son.
I'm your typical head strong now in my 40s year old woman with an Italian decent but in 2008 when my little guy was born a mama bear was awaken as well.
22 months later my world changed and my life took a different direction. Mama Bear took on a totally new meaning from there on out. Going back to work and pursuing a career were pushed aside, instead I went in search of answers.
In June of 2012, my son was given the diagnosis of Autism, a diagnosis I was prepared for because I never gave up and was determined to get the right team in place for my son and his needs. That determination and meeting the hundreds of other parents just like me who "get it" became our extended family and the inspiration behind Together We Are Better.
Together We Are Better was a small idea I had years ago to help us parents with extra financial needs to help our children with neurological differences. Now it's grown into something more. It's introduced me to a new world, new people and the social media world of telling our story.
The autism journey isn't easy and if you don't know how to navigate the system or advocate in a loud voice a family and those individuals that they support can get lost in this system. I almost did, this is why I am now sharing my journey and try to help other parents along the way.
They say everything happens for a reason.... My son was my reason and my greatest gift.
Media:
April 29, 2019 - Autism Advocates Hold Solutions Demonstration
March 7, 2019 Ontario Autism Program Changes Protested By Families
May 7, 2018 - #CityVote The Debate Who Asked the Questions
April 2, 2018 - Video Celebrating GTA Families with Autism
I'm your typical head strong now in my 40s year old woman with an Italian decent but in 2008 when my little guy was born a mama bear was awaken as well.
22 months later my world changed and my life took a different direction. Mama Bear took on a totally new meaning from there on out. Going back to work and pursuing a career were pushed aside, instead I went in search of answers.
In June of 2012, my son was given the diagnosis of Autism, a diagnosis I was prepared for because I never gave up and was determined to get the right team in place for my son and his needs. That determination and meeting the hundreds of other parents just like me who "get it" became our extended family and the inspiration behind Together We Are Better.
Together We Are Better was a small idea I had years ago to help us parents with extra financial needs to help our children with neurological differences. Now it's grown into something more. It's introduced me to a new world, new people and the social media world of telling our story.
The autism journey isn't easy and if you don't know how to navigate the system or advocate in a loud voice a family and those individuals that they support can get lost in this system. I almost did, this is why I am now sharing my journey and try to help other parents along the way.
They say everything happens for a reason.... My son was my reason and my greatest gift.
Media:
April 29, 2019 - Autism Advocates Hold Solutions Demonstration
March 7, 2019 Ontario Autism Program Changes Protested By Families
May 7, 2018 - #CityVote The Debate Who Asked the Questions
April 2, 2018 - Video Celebrating GTA Families with Autism
Christina Chiefalo - Founder and Vice President of TWRB
Being a mother to four boys I can say my life is anything but boring or quiet for a second. Dirty dishes, loads of laundry, constant trips to the grocery store and countless hours to hockey, soccer, swimming and other extracurricular are a constant. On top of that therapy has become routine for my eldest as he has Down Syndrome and Autism.
Adriano, a.k.a LITTLE MONKEY as he will not hesitate to climb you to give you a hug and kiss, is a very active and warm-hearted boy. He is involved in swimming, soccer and karate. He is very eager to play especially basketball, blowing bubbles, singing or practising his latest moves in yoga.
Adriano’s arrival was a little bit of a surprise, three weeks early so we were already nervous parents. We didn’t learn of his diagnosis until three days after his birthday which again added confusion to our surprise. We were completely unprepared as to what to expect not only as first time parents but also parents of a child with special needs. It took us a while to get back on our feet but like any other parents we realized we had a child to raise and family to grow.
Knowing that Adriano would require special attention, we began to focus ours on seeking any and every help available. But we were again thrown for a loop when at 7 years old, our special boy was diagnosed with autism. I can’t lie, this second diagnosis was hard to swallow as now our son was given another challenge to face. But we picked ourselves up and got to work. Our goal was and will always be to help him meet his goals. We face these challenges together. Now with the addition of three younger brothers, we have our team, our fighters.
Somethings that we take for granted like tying a shoe, can be difficult for others. But when these goals are met, either big or small, it is a victory all the same. We have had the fortunate opportunity to meet other families with exceptional children and it has made us all stronger and appreciate each other all the more. The connections and friendships we've made will be forever and having them is very comforting.
Life is not always easy and we all have to learn as we go but I can’t imagine my life any other way.
Adriano, a.k.a LITTLE MONKEY as he will not hesitate to climb you to give you a hug and kiss, is a very active and warm-hearted boy. He is involved in swimming, soccer and karate. He is very eager to play especially basketball, blowing bubbles, singing or practising his latest moves in yoga.
Adriano’s arrival was a little bit of a surprise, three weeks early so we were already nervous parents. We didn’t learn of his diagnosis until three days after his birthday which again added confusion to our surprise. We were completely unprepared as to what to expect not only as first time parents but also parents of a child with special needs. It took us a while to get back on our feet but like any other parents we realized we had a child to raise and family to grow.
Knowing that Adriano would require special attention, we began to focus ours on seeking any and every help available. But we were again thrown for a loop when at 7 years old, our special boy was diagnosed with autism. I can’t lie, this second diagnosis was hard to swallow as now our son was given another challenge to face. But we picked ourselves up and got to work. Our goal was and will always be to help him meet his goals. We face these challenges together. Now with the addition of three younger brothers, we have our team, our fighters.
Somethings that we take for granted like tying a shoe, can be difficult for others. But when these goals are met, either big or small, it is a victory all the same. We have had the fortunate opportunity to meet other families with exceptional children and it has made us all stronger and appreciate each other all the more. The connections and friendships we've made will be forever and having them is very comforting.
Life is not always easy and we all have to learn as we go but I can’t imagine my life any other way.