As I write this, I ask myself: What have I learned along this journey? It’s a collection of small things—so many that I could write a novel about lessons learned from autism. But since I lack both the time and the talent for that, I’ve decided to share it here on my blog instead.
Forgiveness
This journey has taught me the profound importance of forgiveness. I’ve learned to forgive the diagnosis itself, the people around me, those who treated my son differently, and most importantly, myself.
Forgiveness was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn. Many of us struggle with it because we believe that forgiving someone means giving them another chance to hurt us or that we’re doing them a favor. But in reality, you can forgive while still protecting your boundaries. Forgiveness isn’t about letting someone walk all over you again—it’s about freeing yourself from the anger and resentment that hold you back. It’s a choice you make for your own peace of mind, and it’s ultimately for your benefit, not theirs.
Forgiveness isn’t just an act—it’s a choice to release the grudges and negativity that occupied my mind and heart. For me, it’s also a way to protect my peace and well-being. Carrying these burdens doesn’t only affect my emotions—it takes a toll on my physical health too. Letting go of them has allowed me to move forward with clarity and strength, embracing life with a lighter heart and a clearer mind. Only by doing this have I been able to move forward.
Don’t Judge
Judging others feels like a silent disease in the community—something many of us fall into without even realizing it. I’ll admit, I’ve had my moments too. I’ve passed judgments easily, even on the smallest things.
Long before I had my own child, I often overheard people talking about their neighbors with autism, calling them annoying or even a source of laughter. Others would say, “What if they hurt the kids in class?” Those words were so quick to come out, yet they carried so much weight.
Now, as a parent, I’ve heard my share of judgments too. People say, “Maybe you’re doing this wrong,” or “Perhaps it’s because of this or that.” Some of these comments come from a place of love and concern, but they still sting. They remind me how easy it is to judge without understanding, and how those judgments can hurt.
This journey has taught me to step back and think before forming opinions about others. We never really know the full story of someone else’s life, and it’s far better to choose compassion over criticism.
Patience
If there’s one virtue I’ve honed through this journey, it’s patience. My son has taught me to slow down, celebrate the small wins, and embrace the setbacks as opportunities to learn.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest milestones that bring the greatest joy—like when he sits still for more than a minute or tries a new food for the first time. These moments, though small to others, feel monumental to me.
They’ve taught me that not everything happens in an instant and that growth takes time.
This patience has extended beyond my parenting—I now apply it to myself, to others, and to every aspect of life. It’s a reminder that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress, and every small win deserves to be celebrated.
Longevity
One of my greatest realizations is that longevity isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. I want to stay healthy and be there for my son for as long as possible, so I’ve made a conscious effort to live a healthier life.
It’s not about being perfect or following every rule. I keep things simple: I stay away from heavily processed foods, check ingredient labels, and avoid anything that’s hard to pronounce. When I can, I choose chemical-free vegetables and make mindful food choices.
I also make exercise a daily habit. I take walks and follow the workouts from Fabulous50s to stay active and strong.
Sleep has become just as important to me. I make sure to get enough rest because I know it’s essential for recharging and being my best for my child.
I also know how important healthy food, exercise, and sleep are for my son, as they help unwind his mind and keep him calm. And the best way for him to learn is by seeing these habits in me.
Managing Money
When I was growing up, money seemed to come and go. Fortunately, I learned from that experience and made it my goal to achieve financial freedom. After my son’s diagnosis, I realized I couldn’t just focus on saving money; I needed to find ways to improve the family’s cash flow while avoiding a scarcity mindset.
In the past, I worried about the future—what if my son isn’t able to work in the future? Or what if I’m too old to work when the time comes? These are real concerns I faced, but I’ve learned to take them as a challenge. I focus on finding ways to ensure my family is financially secure, no matter what happens.
Being a freelancer has been a game-changer for me. The ability to offer my services to the world through the internet is truly a gift. I’ve been able to secure clients on Upwork, and I’m now starting to sell my digital art as well.
In addition to freelancing, I also invest in the stock market and real estate properties. These investments help build long-term security and increase my ability to provide for my family’s future.
Read my blog to learn more about how I’m making this work.
Purpose in Life
They say that when you face challenges in life, you should turn them into a project. That’s exactly what I’ve done. Writing this and sharing everything I’ve learned along the way gives me a sense of purpose that keeps my spirit alive.
Being a parent is already a purpose in itself, but being in this situation has taught me to see it from a different angle. I’ve learned to view my journey with my son not as a series of obstacles but as an opportunity to grow, adapt, and find meaning in unexpected places. This shift in perspective has given me a renewed sense of purpose and direction in life.
Lessons Learned from Autism
I hope these reflections offer guidance and encouragement—whether you’re just starting your journey, walking alongside me, or further along the path. Because in the end, it’s not just about the challenges; it’s about what we learn and how we grow from them.
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