Anyone who first discovers that his child is on the spectrum will certainly go through some degree of emotional turmoil. Who doesn’t, unless you were previously totally ignorant of ASD. But sooner or later, when you learn more about your child’s condition, the turmoil that consists of worries, depression, sadness, anger (why us?) and denial will set in. Even nowadays, when our society is better educated about autism and there is help available to bring out the most in people on the spectrum, you may still feel that suddenly many doors to the future life’s aspects for your child have slammed shut.
I don’t mean to say that I know all the different types of feelings and situations that all parents or caretakers went through discovering their child is on the spectrum, but one thing I can say for sure is this: you must steel yourself and start taking action to become a spectrum parent. Yes, easier said than done, but to even consider letting your child being left to age and go through life without helping him, is to me like considering committing a social crime. Just like keeping a typical child from being schooled.
However, I believe that if you are reading this and you are a spectrum parent, most probably you have already taken action and is now giving your best to your beloved and special ones. I am in no position to say that I am an expert. Surely there many among you who have more knowledge and experience than me.
I will just come back to this space from time to time to share my own journey, thoughts and observations as a spectrum parent. My thanks to Unity Macroverse for their contributions to the local ASD community and asking me to write here in this blog.
