My Son is More Than His Diagnosis

On this day 6 years ago, our son Shawn Corey received his official diagnosis of mild to moderate Autism.

I can’t even begin to describe or express how we have all grown since then.

I can’t even find the right words to express how proud my son has made me.

I’d say the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that Shawn is so much more than his diagnosis. All people with special needs are much more than their diagnosis.

He’s accomplished so much in the last 6 years I can’t even begin to list them all, so I’ll just share some of the biggest accomplishments he’s achieved.

Getting the Principal’s award at school, and finishing his first football season.

Me being a “normal” kid, I never got the kind of awards he gets in school and I couldn’t be more proud of him.

Finishing the football season was so fun. We got to bond over the game I love and honestly 6 years ago, I didn’t know if that was possible.

He has also made tremendous strides in communication, imaginative play, and using writing utensils.

I’ve learned I can never underestimate my Shawn. The sky is the limit for my boy.

The road hasn’t always been easy for my boy, but I don’t know anyone who tries harder than he does.

I can say I’m lucky and blessed enough that our family has been a tremendous support system. It has truly taken a village to raise our son and my family has stepped up to the plate in ways so many other families wish they had.

So I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.

And all my extended social family who continue to support Shawn and share his story.

I’ve had so many people in the last 6 years tell me how watching Shawn grow has changed their perspective on the world and on parenting.

I’ve always known my boy would help change the world.

And he’s not done yet. We’ve got so much more to accomplish.

Written by, Earl Wright III

Hello all, I’m Earl Wright. I’m 35, married and have 3 beautiful children: Simone, Sienna, and Shawn. My youngest and only son Shawn, is autistic. He was diagnosed 6 years ago and our world hasn’t been the same since. Which I have come to learn is not a bad thing. Not one bit. After we got over the initial shock of the diagnosis, I made it a point to share his story with as many people as I can. Not just for awareness, as I’ve grown as a parent I’m now advocating for acceptance. I want the world to accept my son and people like him for who they are, not who they want or expect them to be. We literally live by the motto different not less. I hope that my openness and vulnerability will help other fathers in my position, and those who look like me, understand that they are not alone. I’m also on a mission to break stereotypes concerning special needs fathers and black special needs fathers…that we are doing our part and helping raise our special kiddos and holding up our end of very important partnerships. I recently did a video with my son to show how he uses scripting to improve his language skills.

I am a police officer and host a podcast called Black & Blue (An Atypical Podcast). On the podcast I chronicle raising my son and talk about other topics from the point of view of a father who happens to be black, a special needs parent, and a police officer.

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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.