A Letter to Parents on Diagnosis Day

Maybe you’re just hearing the news that your child is on the autism spectrum.

Or that they might be.

Maybe you’re in the process of having your child evaluated.

Or maybe you’re holding back from seeking a diagnosis because you’re scared.

Scared of the label. Scared of hearing it out loud. Scared of the idea of forever.

I understand.

Every single emotion you’re feeling. 

But I want to show you something….

You see the photo below? This was never “supposed” to happen.

My child has a friend.

A friend in his class who is also on the autism spectrum. They love each other. Want to be around each other. Care about each other.

That wasn’t ever “supposed” to happen for either of them. 

You see, when the day comes, you’re going to hear a lot about what your child can’t do. What your child might not ever do.

It will bring you to your knees and change life as you know it. But I’m here to tell you something you won’t hear that day, that I wish you would.

A piece of paper could never determine the things your child is capable of.

The milestones they will shatter.

The amazing quality of life you will give them.

The love that you have for them and all of the hard work that you’ll put in with them.

That piece of paper is just a formality. A paper that will open the doors to services. Services that will help your child grow in ways you’d never imagine. 

Diagnosis day is hard and the days to follow are harder.

The journey to acceptance is a difficult road, but I want you to know, eventually you will make it to the other side.

And you will start to see the beauty in it all. The sun will shine again.

And you will see that your child is capable of so much. They will do things that will blow your mind and take your breath away.

It may look a lot different then the life you originally planned for, but there is still so much beauty in it.

I have so much hope, hope I didn’t have in the beginning.

I wish I would have had someone there to tell me that it gets better. And that it’s all going to be okay.

So here is my message to you, mama…hang in there. It gets better. It’s all going to be okay.

And you are never alone.

Written by, Kimberly Hepner

I’m Kim, Mama to Jordy and Connor, and wife to Pete. I am passionate about reaching parents on this journey and letting them know they aren’t alone. I write and share about our journey on our Facebook page Hanging with the Hepners-Navigating Life on the Autism Spectrum.

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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.