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Parenting an Autistic Child When They're Big

Parenting an autistic child when they’re big. It’s different and yet so many similarities

This is my son Jordan. He is 27 and autistic.

It’s such a fine line of allowing independence yet he is still oblivious to many of the social norms and expectations of being in public places.

I Learned Invaluable Lessons

I've spent a lot of time recently reflecting on our journey living alongside autism. The road has been far from easy, but through the challenges, I learned some invaluable lessons.

This is my son Jordan. He is 27 and on the autism spectrum. I am his guardian and full-time caregiver.

Embracing Midday Dreams

I catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye as I pass by and I find myself captivated by the sight of him asleep.

In the middle of the day, an afternoon nap, so very different from the sleepless nights of our past, it reminds me of the incredible journey we've taken together.

It's Not Your Fault

You didn't cause your child's autism.

You didn't do anything wrong.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition and it is not something that can be attributed to anything you did or decisions you made.

Navigating the Calm After the Storm

Let's talk about those moments when everything seems to spiral out of control - the meltdowns, the chaos, and the whirlwind of emotions that come crashing down on both our children and ourselves.

As parents of autistic children, we understand that these moments can be overwhelming, but they also hold invaluable lessons.

The Year was 2001. D-Day

That was the year of what we call in the AUTISM world D-Day. Diagnosis day.

The day that life as you dreamed it would be coming to a screeching halt. The story you had in your mind about what being a mom would be is taking a hard left turn and the road ahead will be really bumpy at times.

One that you’re not prepared for. AUTISM.

I Cried Today In My Car

I cried today in my car on the way to the airport. I’m not sad. I am REALLY happy.

I am so grateful

I talked to God. I thanked him over and over again along my 2-hour ride.

Never in a million years did I think the day would come when I could leave Jordan for 9 days.

Yet there I was headed to ATL airport SOLO.

Family Dinner at a Restaurant

Nothing out of the ordinary to most families, but we aren’t most families.

We are a family whose lives were changed by an autism diagnosis over 20 years ago.

Now, it’s 4 a.m. and I sit with tears flooding down my face, reflecting on the awesomeness of it all.

This is autism in our family.

We are 26 years into this journey and what I can tell you is that nothing stays the same and everything changes.

A Trip to the Dentist

To most families, this looks like no big deal.

For many families like ours, THIS is a HUGE deal.

This is my son Jordan. He is 26 and autistic. This is something we never imagined would be a reality. Being awake and cooperative in a dental chair, WHAT?

Alongside Jordan's autism, there is an anxiety component which has always been one of his biggest struggles. It's the fear of the unknown and not being able to predict what will happen that is anxiety-provoking.