Inspiring Conversations with Keriana Laury of All Things STIM

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keriana Laury. 

Hi Keriana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It started with my son’s initial Autism diagnosis in 2020, when he was just 2 years old. It all just starting hitting me at once; we were both overwhelmed. I officially became extremely invested with everything Autism, because I wanted to teach myself all the ways I’m able to assist my son and make life easier for him. I then grew this newfound love for Autism I didn’t even know I had! I then decided to change my major to Applied Behavior Analysis in college, where I’ll be helping children on the Autism spectrum with ABA therapy. Eventually, I decided, “why not start an autism-based YouTube channel?!” I see how my son BJ interacts with YouTube, I know there are PLENTY of parents out there who were just as confused as I was in the beginning, why not help them? That’s when “All Things STIM, LLC” was born in Jan. of 2022, STIM standing for Sensory, Transitions, Intervention & Milestones. Basically, vlogging BJ’s daily life, obstacles/huddles, meltdowns, food restrictions, speech/occupational/ABA therapy sessions, at-home activities I do with him, etc. I had people all over the country & the U.K subscribe to my channel & ask tons of questions, & that then led me to create our first children’s book called “Autism & Me – Affirmations from A-Z” that is on our website www.allthingsstim.com! I wanted our children on the spectrum to feel inclusive always and creating this book not only teaches them their alphabet but instills those positive affirmations into them as well. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It most certainly has not been a smooth road, rewarding very much so but a little bumpy. We have had our rough days where I’m introducing new activities to BJ to show everyone on YouTube, how we maneuver through it & the skill it teaches, and it would frustrate him sometimes. He would have meltdown after meltdown if something during the activity isn’t going the exact way he pictured in his head. Sometimes, it was hard trying to record, but I don’t want to overwhelm him, so we just pick it up another day. I was a little hesitant at first to do this & was very nervous, contemplating it for months. I like to keep my son private because of how innocent and precious he is, but I realized his daily challenges and the techniques we use can help another family. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about All Things STIM, LLC?
All Things STIM, LLC originally started as an Autism based YouTube channel. It’s not just a brand – it’s a movement. It’s awareness. My end all be all goal is to spread Autism Awareness & create an open and safe space for children/adults on the spectrum and their parents/caretakers. I am a semester shy away from graduating with my degree in Applied Behavior Analysis where I’ll register as a BCaBA, then being able to provide therapy services to children on the Autism Spectrum. I’m pretty much known for exactly that! I go so hard for my son; I’m his biggest advocate, and I am the same way for any other child on the spectrum. It’s not just about my child; I want to be the voice for all the children with autism until they can find theirs. So far, I’m most proud of releasing our children’s book called “Autism & Me.” It’s simple enough to read to my child, yet it challenges him to use his voice. He is nonverbal like large percentage of children with Autism, so having something they can connect with is always the goal. I would like everyone to know that my passion for Autism started with my son but doesn’t end with him. This is a lifelong journey for us, personally for him and myself but also professionally and academically for myself. I want to help make their lives even more wonderful. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned can be summed up with this quote, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” With BJ having Level 3 Severe Autism & being nonverbal, I have opened new skill sets and improved ones I had already acquired. I’m more patient, more empathetic, more understanding. I teach people now that although he’s unable to speak now, he can still hear you. Be kind, use kind words; he understands you he’s just unable to communicate back with you. Autism is not a disability, it’s a different ability, and with that lesson engraved in my brain and in my heart, I can proactively begin sharing more awareness for Autism. 

Pricing:

• Children’s Book: 15.99 – Autism & Me – Affirmations from A-Z (www.allthingsstim.com)
• Journal: 9.99 – Recharge, Sis. (www.allthingsstim.com)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.allthingsstim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all.thingsstim/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCS9eav0zS-vycLC7c3qWCsw