To the special-needs mom who feels alone…

I see you comforting your frustrated child. I see you trying to gather the items that are safe for them. I see you getting the stares from others. I hear the whispers. I see in your eyes how they are starting to get watery. I feel all the emotions began to take over you.

You aren’t alone.

To the special-needs dad who feels alone….

I see how bad you want to be coaching the football team. Baseball team. Basketball team. I see how bad you want to be taking your son or daughter to practice; instead, you are planning the next doctor’s trip.

You aren’t alone.

To the special-needs parents…

I see how you have to decline birthday parties, cookouts, celebrations, etc. It just is too much for your little one. I see you declining to go to community events, because of the sensory overload your child endures.

You aren’t alone.

I wish this world weren’t so cold. I wish people were more understanding. I hope people would want to get to know our family more. I wish we had more friends. I wish people would stop saying, “I’m sorry to hear that” when you tell them your child has autism.

We hold feelings in so much that sometimes we can burst. We live a life no one could ever imagine unless they live it.

We are sorry if we have to decline the birthday parties. We are sorry we can’t go to cookouts. We are sorry we can’t do community events. One thing we are not sorry for is our son. He is an amazing little boy! He loves life. He loves to smile. He loves to swing and dance. He loves hugs.

Do not let anyone change who your family truly is. The people who do not stick around are the ones who do not need to be in your life. You are better off without them.

Be strong.

Emily Ransom is a mother to a beautiful five-year-old boy who has severe autism and epilepsy. Kash is nonverbal. Emily will receive her master's in Special Education with an emphasis on Autism and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in May 2021. Emily has a blog titled Mama to Kash’s Voice where she shares her son’s journey through autism. Her blogs provide a safe place for families to not feel alone. Emily resides in Indiana with her husband Adam, Kash, and daughter Briella. They have two dogs one being Kash's autism therapy dog. https://www.facebook.com/mamatokashsvoice/ Instagram: @mamatokashsvoice

Website: www.mamatokashsvoice.com