Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Tough Day and a Rose

Just about every day can be considered a tough day when you are a parent of teen boys with autism.  The criteria change daily of what is a tough day.

What may make a tough day today becomes easy to handle tomorrow.  What was easy yesterday becomes the challenge of today.

I know I can chose how to react, and sometimes my initial reaction is not so good.  Even Pollyanna got to the point of not wanting to be happy.

Taking a step back is so important to keep perspective and patience.  The proverbial line of taking time to smell the roses is true.  It's those small moments that can make memories.  Good or bad memories.

So this morning I got up early and stopped at a coffee shop.  I can breath! I can relax. It's short-lived, but it eases the turmoil  Funny how just a simple change of scene helps. 

I found my rose for today.
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