1.) It Shows You Who Your True Friends and Family are:
Nothing will show you someone’s true colors faster than having a special needs child. We’ve lost friends (and even some family), but the ones who are still here are the best of the best. We’ve decided that our family includes anyone we deem family!
2.) I’m a Better Person with a Stronger Marriage:
I have a lot more understanding, compassion, and love for all who are different. Lila has opened my eyes to so much, and I’m forever grateful. Bill and I are even stronger now than before we had Lila. He’s the most amazing husband to me and Daddy to Lila. We’re a team, we’re the only ones who truly “get it”, and there’s no one I’d rather have in my corner than Bill.
3.) Lila’s Self Esteem is Rock Solid:
Lila is always 100% her true authentic self – she isn’t swayed by public opinion, gender stereotypes, or is influenced by corporate advertising. If she shows you affection, it’s a big deal. She never acts any specific way just to try and please someone. She is who she is – and that is such a beautiful way of being. I have and will continue to learn so much from her.
4.) Autism Teaches You To Live in the Moment:
Her future is unclear – will she talk? Be able to be potty-trained? Be able to live independently? Who knows – and honestly, that’s all way too much to take in – so we worry about things one day at a time. It’s been a whole new way of living, and I’m a much happier person for it.
5.) Increased Appreciation:
We’re grateful…. for every single thing. Those moments where we’re totally connected – eye contact, giggling, and smiling = priceless. We have no idea what her future holds, so there are no “givens”. Therefore each and every tiny step forward is met with both celebration and gratitude.
Dancing With Autism 
Hi there! Thank you for creating this blog and for being such an encouraging and powerful advocate. My daughter is a couple months older than yours and so much of what you have written has mirrored what we have gone through the last 2.5-3 yrs.
Question: you mentioned that Lila sees a pediatric GI and i read in a previous post that she seemingly regressed from nitrous oxide. Was it from sedation for a gi scope? My daughter is undergoing a scope next wk for her chronic gi pain, and I’ve been assured that side effects are minimal. But of course for our very sensitive kiddos, what’s considered “routine” can be anything but. If you could let me know a little bit more of your experience, it would help me go in feeling more informed. Thanks so much again. 🙂
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Hello! The slight regression appeared to be triggered by nitrous during ear tube placement (look up MTHFR gene mutations and kiddos with ASD). No one told us that was even a possibility. With the GI scope, we insisted on NO nitrous – they can do it, they just use an alternative and it takes maybe 5 extra seconds for them to go out. Lila fought but they let me hold her while she was put under, I just held her tighter and sang softly I to her ear. Not fun, BUT we saw zero regression after that procedure 👍 Best of luck!
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Looking into that now and will email the gi for alternatives. Glad I read this before taking her in next wk. thanks so much!
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