Skip to main content

MY DAILY GAME PLAN: CHERYL Ocampo on raising a family with an autistic child


"I believe most people don’t understand that individuals with autism are still people. Individuals with autism learn differently and develop at a slower pace, but they are still unique individuals with varied interests and personalities, just like everyone else."




Cheryl Ocampo, 40, is the founder of the non-profit organization, Queens County Parents Coalition (QCPAC).  QCPAC is a support network for families who have children with autism.

Cheryl is the mother of three: Joshua (22), Isaiah (18), and Zariah (13).  Her daughter, her youngest child, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

As a Behavior Intervention Specialist, Cheryl works with adults who have autism and developmental disabilities.


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MORNING ROUTINE?
Coffee, coffee, coffee.

WHEN THINGS GET CHAOTIC IN THE MORNING, WHAT DO YOU DO TO CALM YOURSELF?
Reflect on an amethyst crystal I carry around in my purse.  Deep breaths help, too.

WHAT IS A NORMAL DAY LIKE?
A normal day for us follows a strict routine much like anyone else’s except it includes therapy for my daughter in school.  However, I do try to throw her off routine sometimes in order to prepare her for the real world.


WHAT’S YOUR WEAKEST MOMENT?
My weakest moment is when I see my daughter having difficulty to complete a task. It’s very disheartening to see her struggle with tasks that the general population can accomplish so easily such as tying one’s shoe laces.


WHAT’S YOUR STRONGEST MOMENT?
My strongest moment is when I witness my daughter accomplish a small, but significant task such as expressing verbally what she wants or feels.


AUTISM AWARENESS, HOW DO YOU THINK PEOPLE CAN HELP?
It’s very important that people should know the signs of autism even if autism does not affect them personally.  If people were more aware, then I believe they would be open to assisting in the autism community.

DO YOU GET TO TAKE TIME OFF FOR YOURSELF?

I have to take time off for myself from time to time. That time off usually occurs in the evening after bedtime or when my daughter visits with her father.  It helps keep me grounded and balanced. 

YOU'RE ALWAYS PUT TOGETHER, WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN?
Always take time out for yourself whether it’s something small like buying a new lipstick or getting your nails done. Do small things that matter significantly to your self-esteem.  Sleep, exercise, and eat healthy as much as possible.


YOU LOVE TO WEAR HIGH HEEL SHOES, WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE BRAND? WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU COULD NO LONGER WEAR THEM?
Unfortunately, because of my job, I can no longer wear high heel shoes. I love Chinese Laundry and Diba brands because they are stylish yet comfortable.


HOW DO PEOPLE DESCRIBE “CHERYL OCAMPO”?
I think people would describe me as down-to-earth, friendly, kind, compassionate, and helpful.




YOU JUST EARNED YOUR MASTERS DEGREE, WHERE DID YOU FIND THE TIME?
A higher education was always important to me, ever since I became a mom at a very young age. Even more so, when my youngest child was diagnosed with a developmental disability called Autism. I was unable to attend a traditional brick and mortar university and attended college online. Time management and finding a balance in life is key.




WHEN YOU LOOK AT YOUR CHILD'S FACE, WHAT DO YOU SEE?
When I look at my children’s faces, I see how blessed I truly am.


WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF HAVING AN AUTISTIC CHILD THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND?
I believe most people don’t understand that individuals with autism are still people. Individuals with autism learn differently and develop at a slower pace, but they are still unique individuals with varied interests and personalities, just like everyone else.


YOU ARE A VERY STRONG WOMAN. DO YOU CRY? IN WORKING WITH FAMILIES WITH AUTISTIC CHILDREN, WHAT'S THE ONE THING THAT GETS YOU CRYING?
Yes, I cry a lot.  What really makes me cry is looking into the future of individuals with autism. I worry about my daughter’s future, when I am gone.   


WHAT’S THE ONE CONSISTENT THING YOU DO AT THE END OF THE DAY
Whether it is watching a favorite television show with my boyfriend, or just vegging out with some ice cream, I make time for myself.



YOU’RE A VERY YOUNG GRANDMOTHER. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR GRANDSON?
Don’t be afraid to fail. It just means that you are doing your best, so try a different way.



WHAT’S THE ONE ADVICE FROM YOUR MOM/DAD YOU REMEMBER THE MOST?
“Your kids will give you just as much of a hard time as you gave us.”  LOL.


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
 My favorite quote is by Ignacio Estrada, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”



Thank you, Cheryl. You’ve always been an inspiration.


In 2013, Cheryl was our featured guest on our discussion on "The Faces of Autism" 
at MakilalaTV, the first Filipino-American TV talk show in the 
New York metropolitan area.




















Comments

  1. Great, discovered your website whilst arbitrarily dealing with the web seeking some thing entertainment to examine. I an happy to find this fost very useful for me, as it contains lot of information
    humidity chamber manufacturer

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Completed my first 16 Week IsaBody Challenge: Believe You Have A Purpose

My family is what matters most to me.  I’m 51 and a mother of 4 (ages 14 – 26). I wanted to be healthier, more active and stronger not just for me, but for the people I love.  I wanted to set an example for my family that we each possess the tools to master our wellness and vitality. I've always been petite except when I was pregnant ( when I gained an average of 50 pounds per pregnancy - 4 times!) Over the years I had tried various diet and exercise regimens, and I did enjoy a degree of success, but the results were not to the level I hoped for, and they were somewhat short lived.   Achieving stable, long-lasting results proved stubbornly elusive.    Then when I hit menopause everything became more difficult.    My body stopped cooperating altogether, and I was constantly grumpy. My waist and hips expanded and I found myself napping in the afternoons.    I started to accept the idea that there would be this new, less vibrant version of me. I just completed my P

Immigration and Family: Will my mom ever get to see my daughter walk down the aisle

Last year when my father passed away in the Philippines, I went home and took some time to visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila to ask what the options are for my mother to return to the U.S. The consul reminded me of the 10-year travel ban. That on or after November 8, 2015 — not earlier – or 10 years after my mom, was deported in 2005 for overstaying her visa, I can email the U.S. Embassy and inquire about my mother’s approved petition. I asked if I need to file another petition, and she informed me I didn’t have to. I asked if I could… and she stopped me and said to ask everything on or after November 8, 2015. This is where I am, and where my thoughts are drifting as I celebrate this month my 16th American birthday. I am counting the months, the weeks and the days. My daughter is getting married in January 2016 and I would love to have my entire family, especially my mother, to be here when that momentous occasion happens.

SPICE-up a young child's development: social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional

Children are the precious gems of a family. When they’re young and innocent, they are like sponges that willingly and quickly absorb any knowledge and emotion. That’s why at an early age, we encourage our children to read, be creative, be happy and feed their curiosity. With all the technology and instant gratification that children get from playing video or computer games, asking a child to read a good book has been a challenge for some parents .     “Your children are not your children.       They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.       They come through you but not from you,       And though they are with you, and yet they belong not to you.       You may give them your love but not your thoughts,        For they have their own thoughts.        You may house their bodies but not their souls,        For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,        which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.” -                     Kahlil Gibr

Helping others surpass their goals and expectations

"It's not about the end goal. It's who you become by consistently pushing to the edge of your limits." - Robin Sharma Do you ever wonder why you stumble on new things?  Do you ever wonder why unsuspecting strangers cross your path? Do you ever wonder why your mind takes you to a direction you didn't think exist? I was walking to StarBucks to meet my husband when I noticed a sign...

Still shaky, skidded in snow, but so blessed my guardian angels are looking after me!

"Never again wonder, what to be thankful for..."   - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life It’s yet another snowy day in New Jersey. Beautiful, yes but dangerous! In line with my goal for this month is to get back on schedule. I got up around 4am to get my 15yo ready for his Model United Nations conference. (Thankful that our neighbor offered to drive him to school by 5:30am ) I got my 9yo ready for school and I'm thankful that my other neighbor offered to drive him to school. I then drove my husband to the train station to Manhattan. I decided to stop by the Community Center and decided to run a fast 5K on the treadmill. I was 1 mile short because I was so sweaty and hot. (Note to self: dress lightly next time) While cooling down inside the car, I read Day 14’s chapter of Rick Warren's the “Purpose Driven Life” book. I felt really good because it just reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for no matter how awful yo