Acceptance. Different, Not Less.

I think the hardest part about finally getting a diagnosis is how many people pull out of your child's life, like they've done something wrong or they aren't good enough. That's what breaks my heart the most. When friends stop showing up and start disappearing because your child is different and they just don't know how to handle that. Instead of disappearing because of the unknown, ask questions, get to know how he is different, what he likes, what his personality is like; and accept that he is different, not less. 

It's also hard when people tell you they are sorry. Sorry for what? I really don't get that. There's nothing to be sorry for. My child is different and that is perfectly ok because he is truly an amazing human. Please don't ever tell me you're sorry that my child has autism. I don't need sympathy; he needs acceptance.

This journey is beautiful when you begin to unravel who your child is underneath all of the layers of labels that society puts on them. And it's hard for other people to accept that he is still a person, not a diagnosis. He is not autistic, he has autism. His diagnosis does not define him. 

So, I am partially grateful for those who can't see beneath the layers and accept that my child is different, not less. Because those are the people who open my eyes to the amazing friends and family we do have that are nothing but loving, supportive, and include our son in their lives because they see the amazing little boy that he is. And that's what fills my heart; acceptance.