My oldest son was diagnosed with autism when he was just shy of ten years old.
But he has lived with it his entire life.
From a few days old until today, at age fourteen, my son has been teaching me all about autism.
Sometimes, it’s really, really difficult.
Sometimes, he takes my breath away with all his talents and abilities.
Most of the time, autism has become just another part of our life. Not good, not bad – just an element who he is and how he is made.
I have learned that autism is individualized. It’s personal.
They call it a spectrum for good reason.
The quote, “If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism,” is shockingly true.
But parenting a child with autism?
There are so many similarities.
And this is what I share – not my son’s experience, but my own.
When Your Child Has Autism
When your child has autism, you need other mommas to tell you it will be OK.
When your child has autism, you need the encouragement that comes from another parent sharing a story that sounds so similar to your own.
When your child has autism, you need to hear that you can help them, that you can see them for who they are, and you can love them well, no matter what the diagnosis.
When your child has autism, you need to hear that autism is not a problem that needs to be fixed.
You need to hear that you can do this.
So please, allow me to encourage you.
You can do this.
And if you don’t believe me, please know, Not The Former Things exists to remind you over and over again that your child is simply that – your child. You are the one that knows him best, and that loves her most.
You can do this.
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