As Father's Day is just around the corner, we're seeing a number of posts honoring Dad's of autism. There have been great posts on various blogs and websites coming out this week and I've enjoyed reading all of them because for many of us, they speak to our soul; they speak to our hearts and help us understand that we are not alone. I came across one today that really spoke to me on a personal level. I want to share with you that post that can be found on the blog at http://www.autism-society.org. The author is a gentleman named Joel who manages the blog network Autisable and you can judge for yourself if this relates to you. Here it is:
The Bond Between Father and Son is Even More than I Expected
Joel, editor of the blog network Autisable, shares his thoughts on fatherhood. June 14, 2011
"Being a dad of a child with autism has its own set of blessings.
Like many fathers, when the diagnosis was confirmed that our son was on the spectrum, there was a sense of relief – and then a sense of loss. Lost dreams, lost moments that may or may not ever be.
Often, I’ve found myself in a state of wanting to have a basic conversation with my son or even play catch – teaching him sports. You know -- what dads often do with their kids.
But there’s something else I’ve found that overrides the sense of loss I once had, and it’s those moments of joy when we experience that connection. The smiles and the hugs I receive when I get home from work. The wrestling, the tickle fights, the reading of books, the watching of videos.
The bond between father and son is still there, and it’s even more than what I expected.
I remember one day trying to explain to someone that my son does understand, but he has his own set of challenges expressing himself. While I was explaining, my son held my hand – and squeezed tightly whenever he wanted to say that he heard me and appreciated me for speaking for him.
I’ve found that the role of a father is more than I ever imagined, and this is due to learning so much from my son, who, even with so few words, has taught me so much.
May you enjoy Father’s Day, and find those moments of joy."
The Bond Between Father and Son is Even More than I Expected
Joel, editor of the blog network Autisable, shares his thoughts on fatherhood. June 14, 2011
"Being a dad of a child with autism has its own set of blessings.
Like many fathers, when the diagnosis was confirmed that our son was on the spectrum, there was a sense of relief – and then a sense of loss. Lost dreams, lost moments that may or may not ever be.
Often, I’ve found myself in a state of wanting to have a basic conversation with my son or even play catch – teaching him sports. You know -- what dads often do with their kids.
But there’s something else I’ve found that overrides the sense of loss I once had, and it’s those moments of joy when we experience that connection. The smiles and the hugs I receive when I get home from work. The wrestling, the tickle fights, the reading of books, the watching of videos.
The bond between father and son is still there, and it’s even more than what I expected.
I remember one day trying to explain to someone that my son does understand, but he has his own set of challenges expressing himself. While I was explaining, my son held my hand – and squeezed tightly whenever he wanted to say that he heard me and appreciated me for speaking for him.
I’ve found that the role of a father is more than I ever imagined, and this is due to learning so much from my son, who, even with so few words, has taught me so much.
May you enjoy Father’s Day, and find those moments of joy."