To the Parent Anxious Over the Future of Your Child With Autism

Dear concerned parent,

As I look at you I see the love you have for your child.

I see the willingness to want to do the very best.

I see compassion.

I also see pain…

I was once your child.

I now want to be your child’s voice.

So, please listen.

I know at times it isn’t easy for you to understand me.

I feel the same way about you.

I know sometimes it seems like I’m not listening.

It’’s only because I am concentrating on what you’re trying to tell me.

I feel your frustration when I repeatedly do something and you don’t understand why.

It’s just that I’m trying to express myself, and for now, I don’t have another way.

I see your sadness because I can’t accomplish a task you think I should.

But I laugh many times doing things you don’t see.

I hear the anxiety in your words when you speak about me

I wish I had the words to tell you you don’t need to be anxious.

You see all the roads that lay ahead, and you worry.

I see all the journeys that have led us here, and I smile.

You cry for the life you wanted for me and all the sorrow I will have.

I’m delighted with the life I’m living, and I’m dreaming of all I will be.

Please do not look at me as less.

Please do not look at me with sorrow.

Please do not underestimate my abilities.

Please do not believe I’m limited because I have limits.

Your belief and faith in me are my strength and shield.

I’m so much more then what people may see or hear.

I’m a million happy moments, and I’m a million opportunities waiting to happen.

You just need to believe.