A newborn baby is a beautiful thing for many reasons. I often think that parents look at that newborn baby with a wonder and awe. The child can grow to be anything he or she wants. I am sure many parents spend time imagining the life that baby might grow to have.
The precious newborn means the existence of an endless world of possibilities. Then one day news is shared or a realization is made that takes that all away. Not only is the world of possibilities not there but the expectation of what most children, teenagers and adults experience is different. That is the effect of autism. Autism changes a parent who previously dreamed their child would become a doctor or professional athlete to hopeful that one day that child would be capable to live on their own or mentally capable to being in a romantic relationship.
A parent of a child with autism has to simultaneously retain a deep hope that their child can improve but also accept that their child could lead a life different than once imagined.
I am the mother of a 7 year old boy who has autism. I love him and I still cling to the hope for improvements. I dream of a day when I will be able to sit with my child and have an actual conversation with him. With each effort I make in keeping up with paperwork, IEP meetings, evaluations, therapy, and more I know it is a tiny step back to that world of possibilities. When I see my son work so hard at the tasks required of him, I do sit back and look at him in wonder and awe.
Mesa, AZ
