8. Raising a child with autism AND having a wonderful life with Desiree Probolslky

Desiree Probolsky, Life Coach I help special needs moms and medical moms find their joy while honoring their grief. I help these moms uncover the thoughts and beliefs holding them back so they can design a life that they love. My son Asher was born with a major heart defect and two open heart surgeries have saved his life. He developed “normally” and then had a major regression at 20 months old, and soon after was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism. I felt as though I had lost my living child. I went through years of heartbreak and exhaustion trying to “fix” him before I realized that I was suffering and just wanted to be my Asher’s mom and love him just as he is. While I believe in giving every child all resources available to help them reach their potential, my mission is to help moms find the pieces of themselves that they lost while fighting for their child’s life. The most powerful thing a mother can do for her kids—and whole family—is to start with her own healing. I am obsessed with coffee, avocados, and morning walks. I live in Irvine with my husband Adam and three kids Olivia (11), Isabela (9), and Asher (7) Instagram @desireeprobolsky Staci's website: ontheexhale.com