There is often an assumption that parents of children with additional needs have “special needs superpowers”.
That our child was magically “matched” to us because of our superb parenting qualities.
I don’t believe that.
I think our children make us the parents we are.
My parent special needs superpowers are definitely lacking!..
I can’t cook.
My house is often a mess.
And I spend way too much time on my phone when I could probably be doing arts and crafts type stuff with my boys.
So you wouldn’t think I’d be first in the queue to be a parent of a child with additional needs.
But when you have a child with additional needs. A child who is autistic, who can’t talk. You need to step up because it’s either that or you sink. Quite quickly.
Sinking is quite common. And we mustn’t feel bad about that. I’ve sunk many times. But I’ve also asked for help.
I contacted the social service disability team for a needs assessment when I was at my lowest. I’ve been honest with professionals supporting Joshua when I’ve not been happy and feel he could get better support. And I have jumped through all the hoops to help him get his speech device, a diagnosis for his speech disorder (Suspected Childhood Apraxia of Speech), and regular speech therapy sessions.
And maybe that’s enough? Maybe advocating for your child is enough.
And maybe by advocating for our children, we become the pretty awesome parent warriors I see in all the special needs groups I belong to.
I will probably always be useless at domestic stuff (sorry Steve 🙈) but I will always advocate for my beautiful boys. And maybe that’s what truly matters. The washing-up can always wait. 😉
#NonSpeaking #Autism #KeepTreadingWater #SENAdvocates #AutismMum #AAC #DisabilityNeedsAssessment
