godbless: blog 
godblessyou's blog
for willow and me...
Published May. 14, 2008What They Forgot to Mention
By: Sandy Sotzen
Although I was expecting hardship, I found surprising joy in my autistic son.
I remember the day of my son’s diagnosis of autism as if it were yesterday. The tone of the doctor’s voice, the silence in the room, the words “lifelong disability, no cure, I’m sorry” still sting when I allow myself to reflect on that day. But I have paused on occasions too numerous to count and thought, Someone should've mentioned that this would be part of the package when my child was diagnosed with autism. Someone forgot to mention that I would listen to my child's simple utterances or attempted approximations as if he was a world leader giving the speech of a lifetime. I could never have imagined the worth of a single word despite the fact that I may never hear it again.
Someone forgot to mention that when my son was finally potty-trained at age nine, there would be few people who could understand the significance of such an accomplishment, and even fewer with whom I could actually share it. Accomplishments of any size, their true worth known only to me, would bring quiet celebrations between my son and me.
Someone should've mentioned that autism is messy! Wallpaper's meant to be shredded, bathrooms are designed to be flooded, walls are bare in order to smear stuff on them, washable paint really isn’t, and more food will actually be crushed and dropped than eaten.
I wish someone would've mentioned that autism is extremely expensive! Doctors, therapists, medications, supplements, conferences, and sensory equipment are only the tip of the iceberg. I could not have guessed that my child's disability would allow people to cross our path in life who otherwise would not have, and that such people would willingly respond to a child in need.
Someone should have mentioned that each time a child with autism initiates or engages in a reciprocal hug, that feeling that you had when you held him for the first time comes back time and time again.
And they forgot to mention the day my son was diagnosed with autism that the triumphs over this disability would far outweigh the tears, that laughter would eventually ease the sense of loss, and that sheer faith would allow me and millions of other parents to fall into bed exhausted each night, only to get up the next day eager to discover what else they forgot to mention.
close28 Comments
hot topics
(1 votes) 1973 n.c. state team capsule
(1 votes) franklinton fighting fatal crash lawsuit
most recent
Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.
GOLO member since December 11, 2007
May 14, 2008 11:05 p.m.
GOLO member since July 20, 2007
May 14, 2008 10:35 p.m.
GOLO member since July 10, 2007
May 14, 2008 10:28 p.m.
I am so proud of my son, he has made so many leaps and bounds in the last 2 yrs. These kids really are a gift from heaven. Everyday when my son gets off the bus he jumps into my arms and says mommy im so glad to see you ! That my friends is the best part of my day cause 6 months ago he couldn't run a sentence like that together.
and sometimes people dont understand why he only eats 7 kinds of food or why he walks on his tippy toes, I just say well someone has to be an individual ! Great blog (((((((( HGUS )))))))
GOLO member since December 11, 2007
May 14, 2008 10:20 p.m.
GOLO member since July 10, 2007
May 14, 2008 10:07 p.m.
GOLO member since December 15, 2007
May 14, 2008 10:05 p.m.
GOLO member since July 13, 2007
May 14, 2008 9:55 p.m.
Godbless, You probably ARE THAT GOOD! I can't wait to see what you write.
Beth
GOLO member since July 2, 2007
May 14, 2008 9:34 p.m.
GOLO member since July 10, 2007
May 14, 2008 9:33 p.m.
GOLO member since July 10, 2007
May 14, 2008 9:32 p.m.
Please log in to add comment.