Autism: Being an Autism Mom/The Blog Challenge
I have an adult friend on the autism spectrum. He has recently expanded on his enjoyment of writing through, I hope, my prodding him to do so, and to use this medium to educate the world about autism as he lives it.
I challenged him to write a blog the other day, which he did and then, challenged me back. His request of me write: What is it like to be a parent of a child with autism? So Tom, this blog's for you.
What is it like to be the parent of a child with autism?
Best way to attack this is with a series of "one liners". In no particular order, neither ranked by positive or negative just as they flow from my frazzled brain.
Being a parent of a child on the spectrum means:
You haven't gone out to dinner in 15 years.
You can recite videos as well as your child because he scripts them so much.
You understand cryptic language such as "fireworks poops"
You haven't watched a full tv show in 15 years.
You read through every line of your child's IEP to make sure it includes what he needs.
You begin to talk in acronyms: IEP, BSC, TSS, ASD, PDD,
SDI, ISPT and IDEA.
You are thankful that your child is able to use the bathroom finally, whenever (finally) is because some children cannot.
For you there is no such thing as just "jumping in the car and going to the mall".
You know that all tags must be removed from clothing.
You know that socks cannot be lumpy.
You want to grab that onlooker that during a meltdown comments "If that were my kid ......"
You want to hug the cashier that sticks up for your child during a meltdown by telling the onlooker to shut up.
Almost all your friends are parents of kids with autism.
You end up educating everyone you talk with about autism not on purpose just because it's your life.
You don't mind that your child calls you "parent" instead of mom.
You are thrilled when another child in school inquires about your child when they are absent.
Finding and having a good school teacher is better than winning the lottery.
You have found more patience and strength within yourself than you ever knew you had.
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