It’s Autism Awareness Month! I love this month because it’s an opportunity to talk about kids and adults who may not look “different” but are in a very special and unique way. A time when we can all come together and ask questions, educate and be there for each other as parents, siblings, spouses, family and friends.
Our story isn’t unique. In fact, it’s pretty common and full of meltdowns, trying times, small wins and big wins! @Hibs and I have five kids, our oldest son who is now 23 was diagnosed when he was about 6 years old. It took about half a year to test him for Autism. He was originally diagnosed with PDD-NOS then later on with Asperger’s. I’m not going to lie and say it was easy, or that I knew it all or that I even knew a quarter of what I needed to. But, we fought hard for our son to have a normal life in school, with friends and family. We were on a first name basis with teachers, counselors and principals. The school let us down more times than I can count unfortunately. I let my son down more times than I can count. I would react the wrong way, get upset when I shouldn’t have, ground him when it wasn’t his fault, the list goes on. We took him to the best Autism Spectrum Pediatrician we could find, been to countless therapy sessions, tried every drug combo out there, in-patient therapy, out-patient therapy and even residential treatment. Being a parent is sometimes difficult, being a parent to a special needs child is even more so at times. He taught me so much and continues to make me proud of how far he’s come. He is persistent, smart, kind, loving and works hard for his family. I love my son. Let’s bring awareness. Let’s talk about it. It’s time to be open about how people may look “normal” but also have a few unique quirks. Educate yourself and your children. Befriend the children and adults who may seem a little unique. because really, aren’t we all? Raise awareness!
Our story isn’t unique. In fact, it’s pretty common and full of meltdowns, trying times, small wins and big wins! @Hibs and I have five kids, our oldest son who is now 23 was diagnosed when he was about 6 years old. It took about half a year to test him for Autism. He was originally diagnosed with PDD-NOS then later on with Asperger’s. I’m not going to lie and say it was easy, or that I knew it all or that I even knew a quarter of what I needed to. But, we fought hard for our son to have a normal life in school, with friends and family. We were on a first name basis with teachers, counselors and principals. The school let us down more times than I can count unfortunately. I let my son down more times than I can count. I would react the wrong way, get upset when I shouldn’t have, ground him when it wasn’t his fault, the list goes on. We took him to the best Autism Spectrum Pediatrician we could find, been to countless therapy sessions, tried every drug combo out there, in-patient therapy, out-patient therapy and even residential treatment. Being a parent is sometimes difficult, being a parent to a special needs child is even more so at times. He taught me so much and continues to make me proud of how far he’s come. He is persistent, smart, kind, loving and works hard for his family. I love my son. Let’s bring awareness. Let’s talk about it. It’s time to be open about how people may look “normal” but also have a few unique quirks. Educate yourself and your children. Befriend the children and adults who may seem a little unique. because really, aren’t we all? Raise awareness!
My wife is a psychiatrist, so you can imagine how that went. There's also no medication that gives you social awareness. 
