Embracing the Journey
with my Special Child
Having a child with special needs is both a challenge and a blessing.
Being a young adult with autism is tough for John since his communication is limited or selective. He will be 21 years soon, and I am still learning new ways to encourage him to ask for what he wants and needs, to communicate in basic ways, and to connect with us and others.
God’s presence has always been palpable in our lives. John taught me to slow down from my fast-paced life and job, right down to my speech. It’s amusing, but it’s true. Throughout our journey, I had to think of concise ways to communicate with John using both verbal and non-verbal language. It was challenging as I had to remain consistent so that he doesn’t become confused. In many situations, he, like myself and the rest of the family, is equally frustrated. He used to lash out in fury merely to stop the conversation and obtain what he wanted.
Every morning, I begin my day with prayers, asking God for assistance in managing the situation from dawn to nightfall. At times, we stay awake to manage John’s disturbing sleep habits or angry behaviour when he experiences a meltdown.
God’s mercies of patience, love, and tolerance have enabled us in the family to reach this point with John. It would not have been possible without Gods never-ending love and grace.
During John’s early years, we couldn't attend mass as a family because he was sensitive to loud noise, light, and crowd. John is now able to sit through Sunday Mass with minimal disruption and can mingle with the congregation. Even his food options due to sensory difficulties have now expanded to a wide variety.
We make it a habit to pray with John every day, as he leaves for school in the morning, in the evening, and at bedtime. After saying our Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary, we continue to pray over him, asking God to bless every part of his body to help him be good. He earnestly looks forward to our family’s sunset prayers and can comprehend and recite the prayers. John has advanced in leaps and bounds beyond the grasp of many.
God made the impossible Possible and is with us always. God has HIS reasons for giving us John. Despite challenges, God guides us through the journey. Thank and praise God for all, even small improvements are miracles. Blessings. Thanks.
“Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” Matt 19:14