So, today was a unique one for me. I got to see an Apoca-eclipse, and turned 51. I also had the best birthday EVER! I got to spend it all with my family!
One of the easiest parts of Autism Acceptance for me was accepting my daughter’s diagnosis in 2015 (she was 13, and I was 4 years past my own diagnosis). I was AWARE that she was different, but her diagnosis gave me a way to help her navigate her life and differences. Whereas in my own childhood, I was aware of my differences, I still hadn’t accepted that I was really different. When I got my diagnosis, I was able to label and identify that difference I knew was there. But then, when my daughter received the same diagnosis as me, I finally was able to accept that difference, and could make her life easier by understanding herself. As her father and a teacher of students on the spectrum, I was able to to help my daughter navigate the waters of autism and arrive at a better landing place than I had all those years ago. It was like navigating a series of rapids and finally landing on a safe spot on the shore. However, when you go around the bend, there’s a gas station and strip mall there with a dock for your boat.
I am an Autism Dad - I have the strength to make it through the rough waters and arrive on the other side without a scratch.