About

Hi, my name is Julie McAllister.  I am happily married and the mother of two boys with special needs.  My oldest was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (an Autism Spectrum Disorder) at age 5 1/2 and the youngest developed multiple food protein intolerances shortly after birth.

After my youngest was born and developed multiple food protein intolerances, an interstate move back to Texas from Nebraska, and due to dealing with a then-undiagnosed son with Asperger’s syndrome, I began to suffer from depression.  However, I was wrongly diagnosed and subsequently suffered severe negative side effects from the medications I was prescribed.  At one of my lowest points, I had a dear friend tell me, “Julie, you have to be your own advocate because no one else will.”  Thus began a challenging but extremely rewarding journey to become healthy in body, mind and spirit.

I no longer take any prescription medications for depression or for any other medical issues unless it’s absolutely necessary.  I discovered the healing power of herbs, forgiveness, affirmations, meditation and good nutrition.  I became much more spiritual and as a result of all these changes, I became happier than I’d ever been in my life.  I went from being a critical, glass half-empty kind of person to one who tries to see the good in everything.  My husband told me one night that I was “blossoming like a flower before” his eyes.

One day, early in 2010, my Higher Power told me that it was time for me to use what I had learned to start helping other mothers of special-needs children and children with disabilities.  And so began Special Moms, Special Healing.  I started looking around online and for other resource material that targeted mothers of special needs children and there was not much, if anything, available.  With the rise in the number of special needs children especially in certain diagnoses (Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and ADD, etc.), someone needs to focus on the needs of the mother.  And because I am one of those mothers myself, I felt I was qualified.

I feel that in order to be the best possible parent, mothers have to be healthy too.  That can definitely be a struggle when you’re focusing so much time on your children.  I will give you tips and other resources on how YOU can be healthy, so that you feel great.  When YOU feel great, that positive energy will translate to everyone you interact with, especially your children.  Special Moms, Special Healing is your one-stop resource for taking care of yourself in body, mind and spirit.

I have been working with parents of challenging children for many years.  Before becoming a stay-at-home mother when my oldest was born, I worked with at-risk children through the juvenile probation field and in the non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters.  My last position was as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Austin, TX.

© Special Moms, Special Healing 2010-2011