May 28, 2025
I Am My Autistic Son’s Whole World
My son is autistic. On paper it’s level three severe nonverbal autism.
To us he’s just Cooper.
He’s 14 years old and while he doesn’t verbally say much…he has more to tell me than anyone I know.
He’s always making plans.
A trip to Michigan City, Indiana.
A ride on the Amtrak.
A visit to a train depot in Duluth, Minnesota.
A waterpark for his birthday.
Today he got my attention and with the push of a button his AAC speech device said…
Mom Cooper Trip my best friend.
I smiled. He smiled. He clapped. And gasped.
There are days when I feel the weight of autism more than ever.
Today is one of them.
I am my son’s whole world. His best friend. Our family too. We are everything to him.
Me. His dad. His brothers and sister.
He lists us out a hundred times a day.
It’s beautiful. We prayed for this. For him to share his hopes and dreams and plans with us.
But what happens when we are no longer here living together in this home. And when I’m gone.
We need to stretch him. I know that. We need to stretch his world and those who interact with him. But it also feels impossible.
My other children have relationships with friends and coaches and teachers and family.
Their worlds get bigger by the season. That doesn’t happen in Cooper’s world.
In fact, as he ages, it feels as though it’s getting smaller.
Parents become friends, teachers, nurses, therapists, and safety nets.
We become everything. We are their world. There is beauty in this. I will never deny that. But there is pressure too. An unbelievable one that is growing.
I’m scared. And I’m sharing because I know I’m not the only parent who feels this way.
I am not alone. You are out there. Walking the same path. Holding a similar hand. Loving and teaching and paving the way for these beautiful souls.
We can do this. Together. I believe that.
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.
