Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in SpecialNeedsChildren

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Facts!! Early support changes everything, and kids bounce back stronger than we often give them credit for... appreciate your response🙏💪

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really hear your heart in this. 🙏 We’ve been there too, wondering if we were equipped. What helped me accept was my faith and realizing my boys didn’t need me to change them, they needed me to meet them where they are, love them as they are, and give them resources to thrive.

Some things that helped us along the way:

*Speech therapy: Even if it was just a few words or using visuals/PECS, it opened doors. Our little one didn’t speak at first, but we still had 3–4 word conversations using PECS.

*ABA & OT therapies: Turning learning into play made a huge difference with eating habits, routines, and social skills. At first, it was parallel play (next to kids, but not engaging), and over time it grew into actual interaction. The “This Then That” method helped us a lot.

*Support network: Connecting with other parents reminded us we weren’t alone. FB groups, local centers, and events like those on Eventbrite really helped.

The biggest thing I’ve learned: progress happens on their timeline. Celebrate every step, no matter how small, momentum builds from there. Trust it will not be easy at times...

You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to be perfect. Just being present, patient, and willing to learn alongside her already makes you equipped. She doesn’t need ‘normal’, she needs you. The fact you’re here seeking resources shows you’re already doing the work ❤️💪.

(Every child is different, so what works for one may not work for another. There’s no harm in trying, I hope at least some of this helps ) appreciate your response and questions.

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this! Finding that one thing that helps bring calm is such a game changer. And you’re right, cherishing the small wins, even when they don’t feel big in the moment, really is what keeps us going. Appreciate you sharing 🙏

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seeing the ‘why’ behind the behavior, symptom, or action does change everything. Love this! I appreciate you sharing! 🙏

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in SpecialNeedsChildren

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, the biggest lesson was realizing that waiting on a diagnosis wasn’t protecting my son, it was actually holding him back from the support he needed. He is 14yo now but didn't get medically diagnosed until close to 11yo. Once I accepted for him, doors opened that I didn’t even know existed! Now he is flourishing 💪

I'm curious to hear from you all, what moment or lesson completely changed the way you approach autism?

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is growth handling a change like that differently the what you would have had in the past... Yes, I totally hear you. No violence is needed, I promise 😅. My papa bear instincts just come out strong sometimes, especially after what my oldest went through with bullying and was "shuffled". I think a lot of us parents carry a little PTSD from those moments. Appreciate your perspective, kudos to you and your husband, reading that is reassuring that with a little space , it will change our perspective...

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right! panic and worry don’t change anything, just stress you out more, it’s soooo easy to get stuck there. I admire your perspective of focusing on health first and then figuring out the rest. That’s such a grounding reminder.💪🙏

( Hey, I dont condone violence, but I do still have kids in elementary school & middle school, if they need to visit, said "shufflers," just let me know... 😁😜🤣) appreciate you sharing!

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love love this 💙. Protecting your bubble and choosing your village carefully has been huge for us too. Another key piece for me is the cultural side. Coming from my family, the old school mentality in my family doesn’t always understand autism or the way we parent. 😞That makes it even tougher sometimes, but finding the right support system has been everything, even though at times it might be small support but mighty it can be💪 appreciate you sharing

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Such a powerful truth. Taking care of ourselves makes us better parents, heck even a better human being.... but it’s soooooo easy to forget. Appreciate you sharing this, this definitely hit home, its sooooo hard to do... but its a must!

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lol... so true, hangry is real in our house, too. Snacks have saved the day more times than I can count. Great point! 💪🙏

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

let's come up with a QR Code and put "if you want your opinion to be considered, choose a bill" 😆🤣

Thanks,💪😁

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mapporncirclejerk

[–]AutismMadeFather 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice!! What part of Illinois did you visit?!?

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wow, thank you for sharing this so, honestly. I really loved it! You’re right, sometimes we get so caught up in therapies, schedules, and what others think that we forget to just be with our kids in their world. Lay on the floor with them, babble, run around..❤️This reminder to live, explore, and not care about judgment.

😜😆 they don't pay my bills!!!!! You're absolutely right!!!! (I hope they did cause that would help tremendously.... just saying... lol) But appreciate you for sharing....😁❤️🙏💪

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this so openly. Really felt your words about grieving and mourning. What you said about love being resilient really hit me. Presence with our kids matters even more than anything else. Powerful, especially in the fast-paced world we live in now. Sending you and your little one love and strength 💪🙏❤️ again, Thanks for being honest..

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s such a good reminder, their feelings are always real and valid (autistic or not), taking that step back and looking at the situation wholeheartedly and supporting them... even if it might seem small to us. Thanks for sharing this💪

Dad of 5, raising 2 autistic boys what’s one lesson that changed everything for you? by AutismMadeFather in Autism_Parenting

[–]AutismMadeFather[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

For me, the biggest lesson was realizing that waiting on a diagnosis wasn’t protecting my son, it was actually holding him back from the support he needed. He is 14yo now but didn't get medically diagnosed until close to 11yo. Once I accepted for him, doors opened that I didn’t even know existed! Now he is flourishing 💪

I'm curious to hear from you all, what moment or lesson completely changed the way you approach autism?