For weeks, we have planned to give you an inspiring introduction to the advent of the Nigliazzo Advocacy Center for Attachment Disorders.  With grand thoughts and inspiring dreams, we have decided that nothing is quite as riveting as the truth.  So, without any frills or pretense, we give you the story of the birth of the Nigliazzo Advocacy Center, dedicated to changing the world for kids with attachment disorder and the families and clinicians who serve them:

It was Mile Marker 60. 

In life, most of the time changes are subtle, very subtle.  There are few times where we actually know the moment that our miracle happened, that our lives were officially changed.  This is not one of those times.

As a parent of a child with reactive attachment disorder, I had important decisions to make. For several years, I had advocated for my daughter and other families helping their children.  I had actively participated in writing articles, conference planning, teaching schools, you name it.  I had worn myself out trying to spread the word in an effort to help those "outside" the reactive attachment circle understand the trauma and unique challenges our children and families face.  I either needed to give up or find a different way. 

  
At the time I realized it was time to "fish or cut bait," I was driving home from a court appearance in a neighboring county, a two hour drive.  With the quiet of the car and the weight of a mother's heart, I knew it was time to decide which way I would go.  Part of me wanted to quit and go back to "normal life" but I honestly didn't remember  what that was or if I had ever had one.  No, my heart was conflicted.  I was doing too much, touching too few, and wanting more for the families who deal with attachment disorder each and every day. 

At that moment, I felt a message from my heart.  "What do you want to do?"  Funny, but that was a question I hadn't asked myself in the past six years since first having this disorder enter my life.  The question was almost so foreign that I felt surprised by its simplicity.

Fortunately, my heart also answered the very same question that had just been asked.  I felt my heart and soul flood with a desire to personally reach out to all the families and clinicians who serve children of complex trauma and attachment disorders.  I wanted to meet every single one - to hug each and every parent on the same journey - to empower every single clinician trying to get children the services they deserve.  I wanted to change the world, one traumatized family at a time.  
  
An instant peace came over me.  I had heard the answer as if it was spoken to me.   Borrowing from a personal hero, Martin Luther King, Jr., "I had a dream."

And then I looked up.  
 
I had just hit Mile Marker 60 on my journey home. 

And this site was born.

Those of you who work with children with reactive attachment disorder and complex trauma will recognize Mile Marker 60.  As a fellow traveller on a unique journey, there are many milestones we all pass.  Whether it's the recognition that our children have a lifechanging disorder, or the loss of friends, family, and support along the way, we are all too familiar with the mile markers. Becoming an advocate, clinging to lifelines, Mile Marker 60 is the point where we feel our hearts again, embrace the journey, and prepare to change the world.   Alone we are strong; together we are stronger.  

To this point, you have traveled alone.  Welcome to Mile Marker 60, where noone travels alone. 

Your fellow traveler in the journey,


Michele Nigliazzo
Founder, Attorney and Mom
Nigliazzo Advocacy Center, LLC