Dear Parent of a Child with Autism:

I just want to give you a simple message: You are not, and never have been devastated by your child.  Let me be even more blunt.  The only way your child can "devastate" you is by dying. 

Your child was born with autism.  God created him or her just for you.  There is nothing this child can do that you cannot handle.  In addition to that, you are crafted for this child.  YOU, no one else, is most capable to assist this child with any difficulties or struggles he or she shall face. 

You will be overwhelmed, you may find yourself disappointed at times, you may even feel like you just can't do it anymore.  But you can.  And once you accept where you are, and where your child is, you will find joy, sheer joy, at your small triumphs. 

Other moms will say "My son potty trained at 18 months."  Oh, yeah, well my son potty trained at 5 years.  And it was a lot harder to potty train my son than it was to train yours.  My accomplishment is bigger.  So there. 

Other moms will say "My daughter goes on so many play dates, she's so popular."  My kid has at least 1 good friend.  It is his best friend and he knows that his best friend is sensitive.  And his best friend knows that he gets upset at the Happy Birthday song and therefore never lets anyone sing it at his birthday party.   That accomplishment is all him, and I'm so proud of him for it.

Welcome to Holland, Baby (Autism Poem: Welcome to Holland).  The weather is just fine and we are enjoying ourselves.

Love,

A Very Proud Mother of an incredible Child who just happens to have Autism