The Naysayers

To the naysayers, 

Yes the naysayers! We all know them. Those people who question everything about our parenting, our child’s diagnosis and everything in between. 

Those people who think our children lack discipline, those people who think they could get my child to eat a regular meal for supper…those people we know that are the furthest away from acceptance because they can’t even fathom the diagnosis. Those people in denial limbo, who could never understand his struggles…because they just can’t or they may not want to. 

The naysayers. The ones who have all the answers, yet have no experience raising an autistic child. 

The naysayers. The ones who have convinced themselves that my child is not autistic, despite his diagnosis. The people who think that my child doesn’t speak, because I haven’t done enough to help him speak. Those people who think that he doesn’t eat because I let him eat what he wants. The people who think his speech device that he uses to communicate, his voice, is too much screen time. 

The naysayers. The self proclaimed judge and jury. The list of crimes that they have already convicted me of is long, inaccurate and draining. 

To them I say this….. 

I have done everything humanly possible for my son, always in the best interest of his needs. My entire world revolves around him, his needs, his care, his progress, his health, his happiness and his education. His has always been my priority since day one. The reality is that Stalen has a lifelong neurological condition. Critiques and opinions will not change that. 

I am confident that I’m doing my very best for him every day and will continue to do so. We have many struggles but we also have so much love. Stalen is a very happy little boy, and he knows that he is loved and accepted exactly as he is by his Mom and Dad. 

I feel sad for the naysayers. They will never truly see Stalen, his limitless potential, or accept my amazing son because they are standing in their own way of that. They are blinded by their own preconceived conclusions  and can’t focus on the beautiful boy that would bless their lives and bring them so much joy. 

Everyone is on their own journey, and moving towards acceptance at their own pace. Unfortunately, assumptions and judgements only serve as roadblocks, placing unnecessary distance between where you are and where you want to be. 

The naysayers and I are many worlds apart. 

I have no time or energy for them. It is not necessary for me to defend myself or my choices for Stalen. Life is too short and we are busy making memories and living our best life. 

After all, everyone believes in what they want too. I choose to believe in my son, myself and the power of us.