We received the news years ago, but I still remember it like yesterday. A Child Find specialist came to evaluate our son for public preschool. Near the end of the observation, he said, “Your child is autistic.”
It was a shock. My mind raced with questions: What does this mean for his future? For our family? Did we do something wrong? Up to that point, autism wasn't on my radar. My narrow understanding led me to view it as a “disease” that needed to be “cured.” I had to unlearn those misconceptions and slowly discover how my son actually experiences the world.
Then came the new worries: Will he succeed in life? Will his siblings feel neglected because of the extra attention he needs? Getting an official diagnosis took months. Navigating developmental pediatricians, ABA therapists, and IEP meetings was mentally and physically exhausting.
What got us through
Faith and Community: Friends and family praying with us and offering practical support.
Time: Time to process, accept, and learn. The truth is, I don't fully understand how his mind works—and I probably never will—but time helped us bridge that gap with patience and love.
Over time, what once felt like a burden turned into something we truly cherish. We began to love and celebrate how uniquely he sees the world and what he brings to our family dynamic. Today, I can’t imagine our lives without him, and I’m grateful for every moment—hardships included.
If you are navigating this right now, know that you are not alone. Reach out to family, friends, and parents who have walked this road. Hang on, stay strong, and trust that it does get better.