The Unseen Battle: Being a Single Parent of Two Special Needs Children
My life raising two teenage boys on the autism spectrum.
There are some challenges that a person goes through that are very apparent, and then there are challenges that are not seen. They do not get broadcast, and unless you are one yourself, you might not have full awareness. That is the obstacle of being a parent of a child with special needs; however, in my case, it involves two teenage boys on the autism spectrum.
When one lives a life as I do of having two children with a disability, there is going to be attention on you whether you want it or not. One cannot keep a low profile when they are faced with a situation like this. People will talk, they will gossip, one will find themselves constantly in the rumor mill, criticize you, tell you how to raise your kids, or that you are in over your head. Sometimes, I confront them, but I then challenge them and prove them wrong with my actions.
A lot of people might get the impression I am a bit on edge and that sometimes I can come across as being difficult to deal with. I must do everything possible to ensure my two boys are cared for. There is no letting up and no surrender, and if I feel that I have to fight for the well-being of my children, I will do it. I have often been put into situations where I had to do it. Being a parent of two children with special needs, you will find yourself in battles, and as a parent, you have to be ready for them. This life is not for those that are scared very quickly. You have to be prepared for everything and every situation.
To say it has been easy would be nothing more than a lie. There are a lot of sleepless nights with the constant worry about the future and the changes that will come about.
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