Let Them Show Us the Way

cooper 7

When you have a child diagnosed with autism, at some point you will be told all the things they may never do or achieve.

Whether it’s from a friend of a friend, a medical professional, an educator, the internet, or an evaluation where you spend hours filling in little bubbles next to questions that cut you like a knife.

The limits will be placed.

I wish it didn’t happen. I wish instead we were told about how yes, it will be different, and yes there may be parts of development that will be delayed or never happen…but our kids are also lifelong learners. And timelines no longer matter. So stop obsessing over them.

Let them grow and learn and figure it out.

Last night as we waited for a thunderstorm, my son Cooper acted out the storm scene from The Good Dinosaur.

He ran and dashed and felt the wind on his face and gasped at the clouds.

He was Arlo, the main character. I was the daddy dinosaur. Who sadly doesn’t survive.

I watched my sweet boy hold his head in his hands and fake cry for a second.

Then giggle at his own creativity.

It was quite the scene and I laughed out loud at numerous points of his production.

I was seeing real joy.

I remember being told that he would never have creative play. They said it was too late to develop it. They. They said. They said a lot of things.

I guess my point is…I grieved creative play. I did. I cried tears over the black and white world I was told he would have.

Silly now. Because he is one of the most creative, colorful, unique kids I know. Just in his own way.

I think it’s important as moms and dads to relax a bit. And let our kids show us the way.

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.

 

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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