“Do I resent autism?” This question haunted me during a particularly challenging night. My son had experienced an overwhelming sensory overload while we were at the mall, leading to a meltdown that was far more intense than what my partner and I were accustomed to. It unfolded right in front of a crowd that offered a mix of pity and judgment, stretching from the moment we left the mall to when we finally reached the comfort of home. The chaos of tears, screams, and erratic movements persisted, leaving me exhausted and on edge.
Every parent of a child with autism understands how draining such moments can be. The aftermath is often filled with worries about the future and whether we can adequately support a child facing numerous obstacles. It’s during these moments of doubt that one might question what life would be like if their child were not autistic. You may even wonder if you harbor any negative feelings towards their condition.
In my case, the answer is a resounding no.
My son is a wonderfully sweet and remarkable individual, undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts I could share with the world. His love is pure, and his perspective on life is filled with a captivating sense of wonder. Autism is simply part of who he is. It shapes his view of the world and influences the person he is becoming—a person I cherish beyond measure and am incredibly proud to call mine. He wouldn’t be the same person without his autism. So, no, I do not resent autism.
How can I express such sentiments after sharing my frustrations? The answer is straightforward: it’s not autism itself that I struggle with. What I truly resent is how challenging society makes it for him.
I detest the ignorance that suggests my son is somehow deficient because of his condition. The belief that anything is preferable to having an autistic child is infuriating, especially when it leads to dangerous practices aimed at “curing” something that isn’t an illness, including risky home treatments involving toxic substances.
I also loathe the judgmental stares he receives when he becomes overwhelmed. People often misinterpret his outbursts as mere tantrums, assuming that my partner and I simply lack parenting skills. Even worse is the notion that his autism poses a threat to their children, as if it were a contagious disease.
Accessing necessary services for my son is another source of frustration. Navigating the bureaucratic maze to obtain support that could help him thrive is exhausting. The process feels designed to discourage parents, pushing them to abandon their quest for assistance. Anyone trying to secure Medicaid for their autistic child knows the horror stories that accompany such efforts.
These are the things I detest—not autism itself.
Ultimately, I want the same for my son as any parent desires for their child: the chance to live a fulfilling life. The distinction lies in the fact that he is navigating a world that isn’t built for him. When he struggles, I feel overwhelmed—not just for myself or my partner, but primarily for him.
In those moments, I remind myself of what truly matters. Understanding his experience of autism and providing him with unwavering love and support is our best approach as parents. Each day presents a new opportunity to affirm that, despite societal misconceptions, he is valuable, loved, and just as deserving as anyone else.
Autism is not the enemy. The societal perceptions surrounding it are. I urge everyone who reads this to recognize this truth and join me in the fight against the stigma that so many families face.
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Summary:
Autism isn’t the issue; rather, it’s society’s misconceptions and challenges that make life harder for autistic individuals. As parents, it’s crucial to focus on love and support, helping our children navigate a world that often misunderstands them.
Keyphrase: autism acceptance
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