Suddenly, I Was a Special Needs Parent

Before my daughter was diagnosed the world of special needs was unknown to me.

When I dreamed of motherhood being a special needs parent never crossed my mind.

Suddenly I joined a club I never thought I would be a part of.

Special needs terrified me. Just those two words sent chills down my spine. It was a world I knew nothing about.

And then a picture will come across my memories newsfeed and it suddenly pulls me back to the days prior to being a special needs parent.

I remember this day vividly.

A friend of mine and I had our baby’s months apart.

Highschool best friends having babies together.

That is how it is supposed to be right?

Play dates mommy and me classes and coffee in the park as our kids play.

That was not my story though.

Nothing was as it was supposed to be.

This day was hard. It was two toddlers’ side by side.

It was glaringly apparent my daughter was different.

We were at a waterfront museum. There were stations set up everywhere. My daughter was running around and not appropriately playing.

I have always been Keeping up with Kya.

There was no denying what was happening right before my eyes

I remember crying the entire way home.

Prior to my daughter’s Autism diagnosis there were many times I left an event in tears.

When you have this feeling deep in your soul that something is happening with your child and then to see that child side by side with other children it makes those moments that much harder.

Having eyes on you while you try and come to terms that there is in fact something different about your child is a spotlight you never wanted. 

I want to be clear I was never embarrassed of my daughter. I was scared and unsure of what was what happening.

But soon enough I knew.

February 22nd, 2012 Kya Alexandra was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

And suddenly I was a special needs parent.

Saying those words were hard. Saying those words made it even more real but saying those words brought acceptance to my heart.

I am a special needs parent.

My daughter has special needs.

And I could not be prouder of how far we have both come.

This is not a club I wanted to be a part of, but I will make it my life’s mission to teach the world about special needs and kiddos like mine.

On we go.

Written by, Jennifer Dunn

My name is Jennifer Dunn, I am the mother of a beautiful 10 year old girl with ASD. Kya and I live in Vancouver, Canada. I work full-time and also manager her team of therapists. Our weekends are mostly filled with therapy, but I am happy to be on this journey with my Bug. I share our journey at https://www.facebook.com/keepingupwithkya/

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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.