Expecting b/g twins, I couldn't be more excited. My son would be a star linebacker, and my daughter the first female NFL coach. Before their 2nd birthday the rug was pulled out. My son was diagnosed with autism. Not knowing anything past "Rainman" I had horrible visions of what he would become. What I didn't recognize is that his journey would take me down paths I'd never imagined were possible.
They told me to be prepared to put him in a home as an adult; they told me he would never speak; they told me to give up on my own son. And I thank them, because today, at 6 years old, I recognize that they gave me the drive to prove them wrong. I learned that his perspective is untouched by outside influence and his determination never fails. He couldn't talk - I worked on his diet. He couldn't stay on task - I worked on his focus. For all of the things he couldn't do - I found a way to make it happen for him. He needs comfort when facing the unexpected, he needs to stim when he feels overwhelmed, and he needs me to advocate for him. These are things I can never lose sight of.
So parents, wear autism as a badge of honor and not a mark of shame. You never have to worry about your child lying to you; they won't steal your car in the middle of the night at age 16 to be with their friends; they won't intentionally inflict harm on another living soul because they operate on a totally different level than the rest of us. And most importantly, you KNOW that the love and affection they show you is pure, and for that you have the advantage.
St. Augustine, FL