🚨 Advocate. Always. 🚨

Yesterday morning, Jr had his cast put on.

A few hours later, he told me it hurt.

Then the pain got worse. His cry and scream weren’t even his “norm.”

We went straight to the ER.

And they tried to dismiss it…

“He just has to get used to it.”

“It’s normal for a new cast to feel weird.”

NO. I KNOW MY CHILD.

And this was NOT okay.

So I pushed. I demanded answers.

They finally removed part of the cast and the bottom.

This (📸) is what I saw.

His poor heel—raw, red, and clearly in pain. 💔

⚠️ THIS is why we don’t stay quiet.

⚠️ THIS is why we advocate.

⚠️ THIS is why parents—especially those of neurodivergent kiddos—must speak up even when others brush us off.

Your voice is your child’s power.

Don’t let anyone make you second-guess it.

#UniquelyAusomee #AdvocateForYourChild #NeurodivergentParenting #MedicalAdvocacy #WeKnowOurKids #AutismAwareness #PediatricCareMatters #ListenToMoms #ProtectOurBabies #MomLife #SpecialNeedsParenting

2025/6/28 Edited to

... Read moreIn today's healthcare landscape, advocacy for children’s medical needs is more important than ever. Parents, especially those of neurodivergent children, often face challenges in getting the proper medical care. Many doctors may dismiss legitimate concerns, labeling them as 'normal' when they are not. It's crucial for parents to understand their rights and the significance of persistence in seeking answers. The emotional and physical well-being of your child hinges on your ability to raise your voice. When facing medical professionals, remember that you are your child's best advocate. Document concerns meticulously and bring evidence of issues to appointments. If your child is in pain or showing signs of distress, as many parents have experienced in ER situations, do not hesitate to demand further investigation. Be prepared to ask probing questions: What are the potential implications of their current state? How long should it take for an adjustment to occur? What alternative treatments might be available? Engaging in conversations with other parents can provide much-needed support and insight; communities on platforms like Lemon8 or within local parenting groups can deliver helpful strategies based on shared experiences. Advocacy goes beyond just the immediate medical care; it’s about ensuring long-term strategies that support your child's health and happiness. Find trustworthy sources such as pediatric forums, support groups, and social media hashtags like #MedicalAdvocacy and #NeurodivergentParenting to build a support network. Lastly, consider educating yourself on neurodivergent conditions through reputable literature and research to better equip yourself in discussions with healthcare providers. Your informed standpoint can not only benefit your child but may also help other parents who might feel too intimidated to speak up. Remember, your voice empowers your child in a world that often overlooks their specific needs. Advocate fiercely and never doubt the importance of your knowledge and instincts as a parent.

Related posts

How to Advocate For Yourself at the Doctor
I have luckily had very few interactions with doctors in my life as I’ve remained relatively healthy. I have however seen friends and family members go through health struggles and seen them ignored, misunderstood and mistreated by the medical system. Doctors have a very limited time to see pati
staci york 💛🍋

staci york 💛🍋

32 likes

A child in a pink outfit is swinging high on a playground swing, with text overlay "How to Teach Your Child to Stand Up for Themselves" and icons of a rocket, arrow, and head silhouette.
A child walks on a paved path with an adult, overlaid with text about teaching healthy boundaries and encouraging strong communication skills, including tips like saying "no" and practicing eye contact.
A child sits in a car seat, looking at a toy, with text overlays discussing normalizing respectful disagreement and building confidence by praising efforts and encouraging decision-making.
Helping Your Child Speak Up & Self-Advocate 🗣️
Raising a child who is kind but not a pushover requires teaching confidence, assertiveness, and emotional intelligence from an early age. Here are some strategies to help your child stand up for themselves while still being respectful and kind: 1️⃣ Teach Healthy Boundaries • Explain that it’s
CozyGirlMama 😎

CozyGirlMama 😎

285 likes

ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF SIS
Hiya! Today I had to put my big girl pants on and stand up for myself (story time pending) which has always been a struggle for me. Even at my big age I find myself keeping quiet to keep the peace but what about MY peace?! Anywho, here’s some tips I’ve been implementing to help advocate for myself.
Mia Digital Crochet

Mia Digital Crochet

2 likes

Advocate for yourself | Wellness Diaries 🎙️
Brendan Foley, Co-founder of Eve Wellness, reminding us to be the CEO of our own health ✨ Full episode on Wellness Diaries podcast 🎙️ #health #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #podcastclip
Sarina Agarwal

Sarina Agarwal

14 likes

Always advocate and speak up
Don't allow anyone to steal your light. Always speak up for yourself and others no matter what people may say.
checkinwithlana

checkinwithlana

1 like

How to Advocate for Patients as a New Grad RN🤍
Starting out as a new grad RN, one of the most powerful things you can do is advocate for your patients—especially when they can’t do it for themselves. Whether it’s questioning a med order that doesn’t look right, or just making sure your patient’s pain is actually being managed, speaking up is cr
𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪 ◡̈

𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪 ◡̈

85 likes

Spiritual & Relationship Advocate Licensed Counse
#hellolemon8 Licensed Counselor | Spiritual & Relationship Advocate ✨🧠 Empowering you to grow, reflect, and live with purpose. Here for mental health, self-awareness, and life's journey insights. Let’s evolve together!
Andrea L

Andrea L

2 likes

Health & Wellness Advocate
Wellness Habits 🧘 Habit 1: Sleep 😴 🧘 How It Helps Me: Energy to help push through my day💪🏼 🧘 Habit 2: Nutrition🥩 🧘 How It Helps Me: Fuels my body to function properly🚶‍♀️ 🧘 Habit 3: Fitness🏋🏼‍♀️ 🧘 How It Helps Me: Not only does it make me feel good but It helps with my mood😊 I am a BUSY Mo
Amber Fitzharri

Amber Fitzharri

1 like

Educate, Advocate, & Empower others. navigating autoimmune disease, gastrectomy
#gettoknowme Educate, Advocate, & Empower others. navigating autoimmune disease, gastrectomy recovery, & invisible illness. By honest storytelling & awareness. MCSW👩‍🎓
kenzie Thieman

kenzie Thieman

1 like

I’ll always advocate
Advocating for informed voters isn’t political — its necessary
Des

Des

0 likes

How I Advocate for My Child - Even When It’s Hard
#HowIAdvocate #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocate #MomOfAChampion #MomLifeWithPurpose #IEPMom #HearingLossAwareness #Lemon8Moms #ThisIsMotherhood #DifferentNotLess
Lisa | Rising Influencer ✨

Lisa | Rising Influencer ✨

5 likes

A lesson learned: Advocate for your dog
I’m not going to lie. This week as a service dog handler was not easy. On top of having flight changes and ultimately cancelled and having to make a cross country road trip, I also had to keep the needs of Sebastian in mind and make sure his needs were met and advocate for him. We have been t
Kate & Sebs

Kate & Sebs

24 likes

Caregiver. Advocate. Mama. All in One
#lemon8contest #AskLemon8 Being a caregiver and advocate for my son changed my whole life. It’s not easy — late nights, hospital visits, hard convos — but I do it all with love. I’ve learned to speak up, stay strong, and never back down. He needs me, and I got him. Always. 💛 💬 Tag
Akilah n da 🐝

Akilah n da 🐝

3 likes

Teaching others to advocate for their kids
Excited to welcome a new cohort of parents who are eager to learn how to advocate for their children’s education! It’s what I do. This is me! #childadvocate #advocate #educatedwoman #parentvoice
Candie Mitchell-Price

Candie Mitchell-Price

2 likes

A woman in glasses, a peach blazer, a lace skirt, and white boots takes a mirror selfie in a public restroom. She wears a lanyard, suggesting a professional role. The image is overlaid with the text "Advocate for people and Families in Oregon ❤️".
Advocate for people and Families in Oregon ❤️
reflecting on a long and rewarding day #advocate #oregon #local #monday #embracevulnerability Portland
incognita

incognita

15 likes

Tomorrow Health: Part Time Care Advocate - $18-$20
#wfh #remote #workanywhere #momsoflemon8 #fyplemon8
HausofHire

HausofHire

12 likes

Let's advocate for others 🤍
Advocacy looks different for all of us, but it always starts with being willing to listen, learn, and make space. For our children, for ourselves, and for others. https://writinginkrashin.com⁠ #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismadvocacy #actuallyautistic #autismparent #neurodiver
Nicole Krashin

Nicole Krashin

1 like

A dimly lit hospital room featuring an IV pole with a bag, wall-mounted medical controls, and a gurney, illustrating a parent's urgent experience advocating for their child during an asthma attack and RSV, as described in the overlay text.
Always advocate for your kids & patients🫶
#fyp #sickbaby #rsvawareness
Nurse Nicki Notes

Nurse Nicki Notes

3 likes

A title slide with the text "I am not ashamed! What I say when people ask 'Aren't we all a little ADHD?'" on a white background.
Text stating that "We are not all ADHD" is a dismissive statement and emphasizing the importance of factual discussion for self-advocacy and support, with a heart and arrow graphic.
Text asking how to respond to "Aren't we all a little ADHD?" and introducing different appropriate approaches, accompanied by a heart and arrow graphic.
🫶Know your worth and self-advocate!
Don't let people dismiss your ADHD. You can do this in a firm and respectful way. Here is how. #adhdadvocacy #adhd #selflove #vulnerbility #mentalhealthjourney #adhdinwomen #adhdlife
Amy

Amy

8 likes

❤️💕❤️✠✠✠✠✠For if I do not go, the Advocate will not
❤️💕❤️✠✠✠✠✠For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.❤️💕❤️✠✠✠✠✠ Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is bet
Franzy Israel

Franzy Israel

1 like

A Lemon8 ID card displays a smiling woman with curly hair and glasses. It identifies her as an INFJ, born on March 8th, and an Advocate. Her profile highlights being a Pisces, an Introvert, and enjoying Books & Music, under an 'ABOUT ME' section.
Advocate
INFJ here! 💭✨ I'm all about deep connections, vivid daydreams, and making a difference. 🌎 My empathy is a superpower, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. 🙈 Always seeking balance between helping others and nurturing my own inner world. #INFJ #introvertlife #empath #personalitytype
LaPariShante

LaPariShante

2 likes

Legal Advocate ootd: Brown Edition 💅👢
Today I went with a brown look that I think anyone can pull off. My overcoat is from Centridge Outerwear, the undercoat is from Briggs and the shirt is from Alfred dunner. Most of these are gonna be older brands because they are mostly thrifted! 😁 I love finding the older business attire at good
⛱️Sandy Seashore⛱️

⛱️Sandy Seashore⛱️

6 likes

A smiling woman in a dark purple top stands indoors, with a decorative light fixture behind her. Overlaid text states she shares her story to raise awareness about hidden abuse, hoping to be a guest speaker and save lives, urging viewers to share and follow.
Survivor/advocate
#advocate #shareyourthoughts #advocate #traumahealingjourney #traumabond
Tell your truth

Tell your truth

1 like

Meet Me: Millennial Mom, Advocate, and Full-Time
#hellolemon8 ✨ Meet Me: Millennial Mom, Advocate, and Full-Time Juggler ✨ Hey Lemon8 fam! I’m Lourena—here’s a little about me: 💼 Program Director by Day: I’m a full-time working professional in the nonprofit world, passionately managing programs that uplift immigrant and refugee communitie
Lourena | Life & Family

Lourena | Life & Family

1 like

7 REMINDERS: JEALOUSY DOES NOT ALWAYS LOOK LIKE HATE ⚠️ (Read twice)
✨ Not every “friend” is for you… some are just close enough to compete ✨ This is what people ignore— Jealousy is not always loud 👉 it hides in jokes 👉 it hides in “support” 👉 it hides in smiles And the truth is— ✨ not everyone around you wants to see you grow Some will: ❌ laugh a
Aisha .T Cleaners & J Advocate

Aisha .T Cleaners & J Advocate

4 likes

8 QUICK REALITY CHECKS: TEARS DO NOT ALWAYS MEAN LOYALTY ⚠️
✨ Human emotions are complex… some people cry from guilt, regret, fear, comfort, or loss of benefit ✨ Many people confuse: emotional reactions public grief and temporary sadness… with genuine loyalty 💭 Real love is usually visible BEFORE loss happens The people who truly cared for you
Aisha .T Cleaners & J Advocate

Aisha .T Cleaners & J Advocate

1 like

HIV Advocate
#hivadvocate #hiv #fyp
JustKat the Advocate LLC

JustKat the Advocate LLC

9 likes

A woman takes a selfie on a city street with tall buildings and a tower in the background. Yellow text overlay reads "2 career hard truths," introducing the topic of career advocacy.
A tall skyscraper and the CN Tower stand against a clear blue sky. Yellow text overlay states, "Your career is your responsibility," highlighting a key career truth.
A street-level view looks up at modern buildings under a cloudy sky. Yellow text overlay explains, "What advances your career is not your job-related skills, but your *skills managing a career*. Those are NOT the same!"
How to advocate for your career: 4 tips
It took me years to understand that the path up the corporate ladder is not linear. Many people fall into the trap of just following instructions and rewarded with bonuses, raises, and promotions. The truth is, you really need to advocate for yourself and take initiative – no one else will do it fo
Jane 🦧

Jane 🦧

5 likes

✨Advocate for Autism & ADHD🩵♥️💛💙💚🧡💜💗
It’s Autism & ADHD Awareness month and this month has my ♥️, most of you know I have a son who was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, even though he has drastically improved and has only little signs of it now, advocating has been apart of my life for years and will always be! 👊🏽🫶🏽✌🏽 Advocati
🌿Tam÷Tee_'a_$Gift🌿

🌿Tam÷Tee_'a_$Gift🌿

4 likes

✨ Our Advocate ✨
💕 My little children, these things I write ✍️ to you so that you will not sin. And if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One. 💕 1 John 2:1 ✝️ It says in Isaiah that no matter which way we go, we will hear a voice saying, " This is the way, walk
Autumnrose87

Autumnrose87

18 likes

There is hope, always advocate🫶
Hi guys! I wanted to share a story with you all about my oldest, and advocating. My Delilah Jo is 4 years old. She’s on the autism spectrum ( Level 1) she also has ADHD, as well as DMDD. She’s in her second year of preschool and doing phenomenal! Such a huge change from a year ago! This tim
Stephannie Ann

Stephannie Ann

2 likes

Advocate for yourself without apologizing
You don’t need to apologize for: • asking clarifying questions • setting boundaries • sharing your perspective • advocating for your workload Apologizing doesn’t make you easier to work with. It makes your voice easier to dismiss. Confident professionals replace “sorry” with: → clarity
Andie | Exec Comm Coach

Andie | Exec Comm Coach

12 likes

Listen to Your Body & Advocate for Yourself
Trigger Warning: Health Scare & Medical Details The last six months have been some of the hardest of my life. In July ‘24, I made the decision to move back to Rochester for my daughter’s quality of life. We had been getting sick excessively, and I was genuinely scared that some nights, I mig
Tiffany

Tiffany

2 likes

Multi-Disabled Activist & Advocate
I'm Sevyn 👋🏽 and my goal here is to spread love and knowledge about disability as well as to fight for all human rights. The media is misleading and provides bad representation which leaves non-disabled people with inaccurate biases and assumptions about specific disabilities as well as dis
sevyn ♿

sevyn ♿

10 likes

change always comes
Here’s the thing— change is inevitable. And as someone who loves to have some sort of control, I decided to take control of some of those changes. It’s like a loophole. When I felt myself spiraling out of control like everyday was unleashing another beast to sabotage me and make me feel helpless
Megann Louise

Megann Louise

25 likes

A woman in a light green dress walks up a red carpeted staircase, with text overlay 'ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF DURING RESIDENCY'. The image introduces the theme of self-advocacy in medical residency.
A woman in dark green scrubs stands in a medical setting, with text overlay 'Know your achievements Request feedback !'. This highlights advice for residency evaluations.
A woman in maroon scrubs and a grey jacket takes a mirror selfie in a restroom, with text overlay 'Be confident But humble'. This emphasizes a balanced approach to self-advocacy.
Be your own advocate in Residency 🌸🫶
Residency evaluations are an opportunity to reflect on your growth and highlight your strengths. Here’s how to advocate for yourself and make the most of them: 1️⃣ Know Your Achievements: Before the evaluation, review your work and achievements. Document specific examples where you've excell
Dr.Khatch

Dr.Khatch

12 likes

It’s not always about fireworks…
There’s more to intimacy than big Os! Checkout my site: www.thedesireroom.com to find goodies for you and your partner! #desires #relationshiptips #exploring #connection #intimacyinmarriage
Jessica S. | Intimacy Advocate

Jessica S. | Intimacy Advocate

2 likes

Why I became a healthy eating advocate😌
1. My gut health coming out of college left me with poor daily health, less energy, and eczema flare ups 2. I watched a documentary on how our food choices of today will affect our older self’s. I want to be able to walk and keep my memory at 80 years old thanks 3. I wanted to improve my ove
Lemon8er

Lemon8er

21 likes

A woman, Veronica, sits casually, looking at the camera with her hand on her face. She wears a grey sweatshirt and her legs are visible. The text "Get to know me" is above her, and "Lemon8 @withluvvero" is in the bottom left, introducing herself as a mom and advocate.
Get to know me - Mom turned advocate ❤️‍🩹
Hey 👋 I’m Veronica I’m a mom of three, a skincare formulator, and someone who’s no stranger to sleepless nights filled with questions and Google searches. I used to wake up at 3 a.m., staring at my son’s inflamed skin, wondering if I was failing him. I’ve cried in the shower when no one was
Scrachee Mom

Scrachee Mom

5 likes

A work-from-home desk setup with two monitors displaying a healthcare login page, a desk phone, and a keyboard. Text overlays indicate a healthcare patient advocate working remotely.
A person smiling at the camera in their home office, with two computer monitors and a desk phone visible in the background. Text overlays mention a 'ROOM TOUR' and 'WorkMonday'.
A hand holding a glass jar of blueberry overnight oats, with a computer monitor and keyboard in the background. Text overlays read 'BLUEBERRY DREAM OVERNIGHT OAKS'.
Daily Essentials As a Patient Care Advocate WFH
#waterbottles #workfromhome #patient #healthcare #lemon8career • Working from home as a healthcare patient advocate (customer service representative) is rewarding all in itself helping people is what makes the job enjoyable. •Due to HIPPA laws we cannot have a lot of materials in our w
Nykilla 🧑🏽‍🍳

Nykilla 🧑🏽‍🍳

48 likes

Advocate for Yourself
It’s important to speak up for yourself! As a nurse you will come across many situations where it doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel safe, and you want to question it! Do so, without hesitation! You have to protect yourself, your license, and your patients! #nurselife #newgradnurse #nursings
Nurse T

Nurse T

19 likes

A cartoon illustration depicts an adult with a shaved head kissing a smiling child's forehead. Both characters are Black. The adult wears a blue shirt, and the child wears a brown shirt. A "TEAM JR" logo is prominently displayed at the top, and a Lemon8 watermark is at the bottom left.
Advocate. Advocate. ADVOCATE. 💪🏾💙
Advocate. Advocate. ADVOCATE. 💪🏾💙 You know your child better than anyone. Not the doctors. Not the teachers. Not the therapists. If something feels off speak up. If you need clarity ask questions. If you need support request it. And when your child’s specialist or therapist can attend app
GeminizedCee

GeminizedCee

5 likes

💜AMA: Domestic Violence Advocate🙋‍♀️
My current career is as a Domestic Violence Advocate. I have been doing my job for 3 years now. Every day seems to get tougher under the current political climate. It almost seems as if no one wants to fight for women right now…it’s a scary time to be doing my job. We are barely being funded be
⛱️Sandy Seashore⛱️

⛱️Sandy Seashore⛱️

122 likes

A woman with long red hair and a nose piercing smiles at the camera, wearing a blue top. Overlay text lists 'Fun Fact About Me,' detailing her journey in addiction recovery, advocacy, and her role as a Manager & C.M.A. at two health clinics, with emojis and hashtags.
01. In Addiction Recovery/Also an ADVOCATE 📣🗣💜
#successful #addictionrecovery #fightingaddiction #healthylifestyle
JusT J3N

JusT J3N

10 likes

See more