“Oh I’m so sorry” might be the worst response someone can give when I tell them Knox is on the spectrum... yet it also happens to be the most common. For the longest time I found myself responding to this by half-apologizing and half-defending my son ("no it's ok, actually he's a really great kid"...). But Knox needs no apologizing for. He is such a happy, easy-going, and smart kid. Although he may struggle more than others kids his age to express himself, and he may live in a world we don't understand all the time - he is definitely not a burden.
Honestly, the hardest part about having a child who is neurodiverse is seeing him left out of things I know he would enjoy such as not being able attend a 'normal' school classroom setting or being excluded from parties and activities, even family vacations with my ex because there aren't 'accommodations' for him.
I never want Knox to feel like his diagnosis is a bad thing, or that he doesn't belong with his peers or family. I want to expose him to new people, places and things as much as possible so he can learn and grow by experience. I want him to know that he can do and be whatever he wants, and I want him to celebrate the differences in people that make us each unique and special. I want my son to know--to feel--that he is perfect just the way he is... and I will always treat him that way. No longer am I apologizing or defending his diagnosis, but I am championing for inclusivity and the understanding of being 'different'.
I will be his voice, because he is my heart.
xo Kari
