Being a parent to children with disabilities is a tough job.

Most people may believe it is difficult because of the medical and education concerns, but there is more to it than that. I find that the most difficult part of being a parent to children with disabilities is the unknown. There are many unknowns, especially if you have children with autism. Although more and more research is being released on autism every day no one still could provide you with a clear path or direction for your child.

When I received the diagnosis for my first son it was hard emotionally (of course), but I felt weak because even if I provided my son with the best educational opportunities and the best treatment, no one could tell me what to expect as he grew older. If I did not know what to expect, how could I plan? I am a planner. The unknown was very difficult to deal with. Would he catch up with his peers on an intellectual level? Will he be able to appropriately interact in social settings? Will he able to go to gain employment? Will he have the opportunity to go to college?

At the beginning I worried quite a bit. Although worrying can be warranted it also can be wasteful. If I only worried about tomorrow I was not doing my best because today was slipping away. No one can be the perfect parent even if you try your hardest to be. All you can do is do your best. To do my best I had to change my mindset and learn to be flexible. Although I will not know what to expect, ultimately does it matter? My sons are my sons and I will love them no matter what. My number one priority is that they are happy. Even if I do not have a clear direction of where we are going, the most important thing is that we are together on this journey (regardless of where we end up).