I recently read a blog by a mom who looked back at what she’s learned in the ten years since her son received his diagnosis. This made me stop and think. It’s been 20 years now – what have I learned?

• It is critical that you maintain an attitude that your cup is always half full and not half empty.
• Focus not on the very best days your child has, nor on his worst, but on the average day.
• Regardless of the overwhelming challenges you face, God will always give you strength to move on.
• Set high goals for your child. Don’t limit their potential based upon what others tell you.
• Accept that learning will occur in small steps, but that small steps will lead to a great distance in the long run.
• Similarly, learning will never end for you or your child. Embrace this and be open to the changes that might come as a result.
• You can be a trailblazer – not only for your child, but for all children with autism. It’s never easy, but you will make a difference.
• Overall wellness is essential not only for your but for your child. This includes healthy eating, exercise, and making time for prayer, meditation… or whatever works for you!
• While you will reach a point of acceptance of your child’s diagnosis, it’s okay to still catch yourself dreaming of your child attending college, living independently, and finding people to share their life with.
• All parents know that your love for your child never ceases, but rather inspires you to reach new heights and aspire to do your best. Being a parent of a child with autism is no different.

The journey continues – who knows where the next 20 years will take us!