Advocating for My Child: Lessons Learned from Autism
When you have a child diagnosed with autism, it’s not about you as the parent.
At least that’s what we are told.
Your sole focus becomes helping your child. Getting them the help they need.
Services. Supports. Therapies. Education. And so on.
That’s the role of a parent. And that’s how it should be.
But one part that is overlooked, I think, is the evolution of the parent. Their journey. And the patience that should be given to them when everything changes suddenly.
It’s not easy ya know. Stepping off the path of the life you imagined into the unknown. And suddenly being expected to the be the expert. The advocate.
Invincible. Brave. Courageous.
I would do it a million times over again for Cooper. But it was scary.
It all changed me too.
I am an entirely different person than I was 10 years ago when that piece of paper was slid across the table to me that read…’autism spectrum disorder.’
My outlook. My ability to advocate. My patience. And so much more. It’s all evolved.
My wants and needs have changed entirely.
They started with…
I need more time for him to catch up.
Then I need to find him help.
And eventually I need to find someone who will listen to me.
Then I need him to be higher functioning.
And I just need him to talk.
I need him to be okay.
Everything was a fight.
But I did not give up on him. And he didn’t give up on me.
And as we both settled into autism, and the shock wore off, my wants and needs changed.
I need him to be happy.
So simple right?
It all comes down to happiness.
That’s what matters to me.
Is he happy?
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.
