Over the past several days I have been learning and connecting with other parents and professionals at the National Autism Conference in Florida. I was blessed to attend this tremendous conference last year as well and have walked away both years feeling better informed and rejuvenated.

Hearing Dr. Julie Buckley speak about Caring for the Caregiver both years has proven to be one of the highlights of the event in my eyes two years running. Dr. Buckley is not only a physician who works for our children. She is also the mother of a smart, funny daughter with ASD and Dr. Buckely is a cancer survivor. I appreciate Dr. Buckley's unique perspective. The resounding message she sends to parents is that when we do not take good care of ourselves (think: stress management, clean/healthy diet, adequate rest), we may not be around long enough to care for our children in the ways they desperately need. Dr. Buckley learned this lesson the hard way and feels compelled to share her insights with the rest of us.

In January I wrote this post regarding resolutions for the New Year. I think it is a good reminder to truly care for the caregiver (ourselves) with focus and determination. I am feeling resolved once again to focus on myself as I prepare to catch a plane today and head back home to the daily responsibilites that my life encompasses.

When I take stock and I am honest with myself, I am most always a stellar Mommy to Ethan, but not so thoughtful and focused about my health needs. I wonder, do you take excellent care of yourself? Do you exercise regularly? Do you have a clean, healthy diet? Do you get adequate rest? Do you work to keep your marriage strong? I know I have a lot of work to do in these areas.

I welcome your thoughts, tips and ideas about how you make these things happen. Also, Dr. Buckley and I are working on an interview series which is filled with some tremendous insights. I look forward to sharing it with you soon.

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Leigh Attaway Wilcox is Editor in Charge of the internationally acclaimed AutismSpot.com and her work can be found on many of the pLDNetworks sites. Leigh is the author of ALL BETTER: A Touch-and-Heal Book published by Piggy Toes Press in 2007 (now available for digital download via Moving Picture Books). Leigh lives in North Texas with her husband and young son who loves reading, LEGOs, Mario Bros. and also happens to live with Asperger's Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder.