Hope

It's funny sometimes how my mind works. My son has been growing and changing, like all kids do, and somehow I started thinking that maybe he really doesn't have autism. Many people have told me that if I hadn't told them, they wouldn't have realized it. He behaves fairly typically. I let my mind go to that place of "what if....."

Then I went to a conference on autism in Tennessee. G's developmental pediatrician was the keynote speaker and they had many interesting topics like Occupational Therapy, ABA and Social Skills. It was a good day. I learned a lot and came home with ideas on how to help G as well as students in my class.

But probably the idea that hit home the most was that G definitely has autism. He fits the characteristics many professionals described. He does many of the things other parents talked about. He is the face of autism.

Instead of finding myself saddened or disappointed, I felt such hope. There was talk about the disturbing side of autism, but there was so much more emphasis on what can be done. There were positive stories told; success stories. Not just success in the autism world, not just in the earthly world but also in the spiritual world.

One professional briefly suggested that we check out a program called Mornings with Brant. It is apparently a morning radio show in the Chattanooga area. While I can't access the program here, I did visit the web site morningswithbrant.com . Brant is a happily married man of 20 years, successful Christian radio show host and has Asperger's. After exploring this website, I can't even begin to tell you the way I felt. The words seem inadequate but what comes to mind most is hope. Real hope.

If Brant can hold a job, have a wife and live for the Lord--while having Asperger's, then G can too! My sweet little three (almost four) year old can have it all. I know some may look at those three things and ask if that is "having it all". But I can't imagine being more successful than that. Having a job you love, that reaches people for God and furthers His kingdom, having a wife you love and that loves you in return and letting the world know that God provided it....wow, that's the life I want for G.

Thank you Father for providing hope for me, rejuvenating my spirit and most of all making it possible for my son to have it all!