Having an autistic teenager has been a unique journey for me. My eldest son, Ethan, was born during a time when autism awareness was just beginning to emerge. Now that he’s a teen, I’ve learned to appreciate the many benefits that come with parenting a child on the spectrum.
- No Boy Band Concerts: After 17 years, I’ve been spared from the chaos of boy band concerts. Ethan shows little interest in mainstream pop culture, and if he did, I’d be ready with earplugs and headphones to help him cope with the noise.
- Fashion Isn’t a Concern: Comfort trumps fashion in Ethan’s world. He has no desire to keep up with trends, which means I’m spared from navigating crowded stores filled with overwhelming scents. His indifference to clothes is a relief for both him and my nose!
- Honesty is Key: Communication with Ethan is refreshingly straightforward. He doesn’t hold back from expressing his thoughts, whether it’s about timing, noise levels, or anything else on his mind. If I say something that doesn’t make sense, he’ll be quick to point it out—no sugarcoating here.
- Curfews? What Curfews?: I fondly recall the days of sneaking home late after negotiating with my parents. With Ethan, I always know where he is, especially on the weekends. If he’s up late, it’s likely because we forgot to give him his melatonin.
- Savings on Car Insurance: There’s no need for late-night worry about whether Ethan will make it home safely. His lack of interest in driving means I don’t have to fret over car insurance costs or potential accidents.
- Still Best Buds: I’ve noticed that while there are people Ethan prefers to hang out with, he still enjoys spending time with me. I can enjoy the illusion of being “cool” until my younger kids reach their teenage years and challenge that notion.
- Affectionate Nature: We skipped the phase where teens shy away from physical affection. Ethan is always ready for a hug or a hand-holding session, which is a sweet aspect of our relationship.
- Minimal Drama: Sure, we experience some drama, but it’s usually about schedules or late buses rather than the typical teenage conflicts. There’s no gossip or backstabbing going on in our household, which is a breath of fresh air.
- Kindness Over Malice: Ethan embodies kindness. He treats everyone with respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. There’s no room for malicious behavior; he doesn’t engage in gossip or judgment.
- An Innocent Perspective: Ethan’s innocence is a gift. He approaches the world without preconceived notions or biases, making every interaction genuine and heartfelt.
For those navigating similar paths, it’s beneficial to explore resources like the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for information on pregnancy and autism. Additionally, if you’re considering family planning, check out this informative post and learn more about the home insemination process. For those interested in home insemination kits, you can also find a great option here.
In summary, parenting an autistic teenager like Ethan has its challenges, but the countless perks—like straightforward communication, a drama-free life, and genuine kindness—make the journey rewarding and fulfilling.