You are constantly on the go for something related to your child’s disability. Most families need one parent to stay home with their child until they are old enough to go to school. It is extremely difficult to find someone to baby sit an Autistic child. Sometimes families have extended families that help out but many do not. Most people become ostracized or ostracize themselves because people who are unfamiliar with Autism tend to judge and reticule your parenting or your child’s behavior outbursts.

Parents tend to feel very alone unless they get involved in support groups or have amazing friends and families. Siblings are also affected. Many times we have been unable to go to events because Zach was having a difficult day or we have had to leave early because he is having a meltdown. The other children don’t necessarily understand. They just know that their lives are being disturbed.

They have had to learn to live with outbursts, disappointments, aggression, and ridicule from their peers. Children can be very mean, and it is very difficult for siblings to want to protect their family but also to not want to be associated with a child who is so different. People don’t understand what Autism Spectrum Disorders are and how these disorders affect a child. Autism is becoming an epidemic and someday soon everyone will know a child with Autism and then maybe new therapies and treatments will be developed to help our children. Now all we have to rely on is Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Early Intervention Services, Psychologists and Developmental Pediatricians. Currently we are treating the symptoms. There is no cure for Autism and the cause is unknown.

Knowing all of this I really did not want a child on the Spectrum. I, like all parents wanted a happy and healthy baby. Now 9 years later I would not trade him for anything. He has taught me more in his short lifetime than I ever would have learned on my own. He has taught me unconditional love, patience, and how to fight for the needs of your child. We parents of special needs children have to fight for our children’s rights.

We have to fight for all of the things that the American’s with Disabilities Act states that they deserve. Even though there is a national law protecting our children we have to make sure that it is obeyed for our children’s sake. We fight for medical needs, educational needs and we fight daily to keep them safe from harm. This is not an easy life and not one that I would have picked but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am a better person for having this angel in my life. He along with our other two children fulfills and brings joy to our lives.

The mother of an extraordinary child with Asperger Syndrome and ADHD as well as two beautiful children that have learned to live with a sibling who is on the spectrum.

- Heidi King