Motherhood is a journey filled with surprises, challenges, and immeasurable rewards. But when you have a child on the autism spectrum, the path takes unique twists and turns that demand patience, resilience, and unwavering love. My middle son’s autism diagnosis reshaped not only my perspective on parenting but also on life itself.
From an early age, I noticed differences in my middle son’s development. While other toddlers were beginning to form words and express themselves, my boy remained silent. By the time he turned two, I realized that his milestones were significantly delayed. By 7 years old, he still wasn’t speaking. The silence was deafening, and the communication barrier felt like an unscalable wall. Simple interactions became complicated, and my heart broke watching him struggle to connect with the world around him.
Our lives became a whirlwind of appointments: speech therapy, occupational therapy, and specialist consultations. Week after week, month after month, we poured our energy into finding ways to help him communicate. Progress was painstakingly slow, and there were moments when hope wavered. But giving up was never an option. Each small victory—a new sound, a gesture, or even eye contact—was celebrated like a major milestone.
Perhaps one of the hardest parts of this journey was seeing my son on the playground. While other children laughed, played, and formed friendships, he often stood alone, misunderstood and excluded. Watching him try to join in, only to be ignored or rejected, was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life. As a mother, all you want is to shield your child from pain, but this was a reality I couldn’t change overnight.
I remember the countless times I’d sit in my car and cry because of how hard it was to just take the three boys to the park. Just so they could get some outdoor play, I’d sacrifice the anxiety and stress of having eyes on all three at one time. Noah (my autistic child) would quite often wander off, so he needed supervision all the time. Those trips were mentally and emotionally exhausting, but they were also moments when I knew I was doing my best for my boys.
Navigating autism doesn’t just affect the child diagnosed; it ripples through the entire family. My other two boys had to learn patience and understanding beyond their years. They became his protectors and champions, standing up for him when others didn’t understand. At the same time, balancing their needs with the demands of therapy and special care for their brother was an ongoing challenge. Yet, it’s also brought us closer in ways I never imagined.
As a strength coach, I often draw parallels between training and life. Just like building muscle requires consistent effort, setbacks, and adaptation, so does raising a child with autism. It’s taught me the value of perseverance and finding strength in the most unexpected places. My son’s journey has been a constant reminder that progress isn’t always linear, but every step forward matters.
What I’ve Learned: Patience is a Superpower: Progress takes time. Celebrate the small wins because they are the foundation of bigger achievements.
Advocacy is Non-Negotiable: Whether it’s fighting for the right resources or educating others about autism, your voice as a parent is powerful.
Empathy Transforms: The journey has taught me to view the world through my son’s eyes and understand that everyone communicates in their own way.
Community is Key: Finding support from other parents, therapists, and educators has been invaluable. You can’t do it alone, and that’s okay.
Today, my son’s ability to communicate has blossomed in ways we once only dreamed of. While the road ahead will still have challenges, I’ve learned to focus on possibilities rather than limitations. Every word he speaks, every smile he shares, and every moment of connection is a testament to his strength and resilience.
To any parent walking a similar path, know this: you are not alone, and neither is your child. The journey may be tough, but it’s also filled with moments of profound joy and love. Keep showing up, keep advocating, and keep believing.
Together, you can overcome the silence and build a world of understanding and acceptance.
With love,
Coach Ayesha x