What I Wish I Knew in the Beginning

 

What I Wish I Knew in the Beginning

“You don’t need all the answers — you just need to show up with love.”

The Beginning Felt Like a Maze

When Karson was first diagnosed, I remember feeling lost. Not just emotionally but practically. I didn’t know what to Google, who to call, or what books to read. The more I searched, the more overwhelmed I became.  Everyone had advice, but no one had OUR answers. However, I quickly discovered that:

 Every child on the spectrum is different. Your path will also be different, but we all advocate the same.

Things I Wish I Knew Sooner

 It’s okay to grieve and still be strong.
You’re not grieving your child. You’re grieving the expectations you held. That doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you human.

 Autism is not a tragedy.
There’s joy in the routine. Strength in the silence. The narrative isn’t “what’s wrong,” it’s “what’s different”? Autism didn’t change the love I had for Karson; it deepened it. It challenged me to slow down, listen differently, and celebrate what truly matters.

Community is everything.
I wish I had reached out sooner. Other parents and therapists gave me hope, advice, and the kind of understanding I couldn’t Google. Some may be skeptical about opening up to strangers about your loved one’s diagnosis, but it’s ok to allow yourself to be vulnerable.

The truth is, this journey can feel incredibly isolating at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Connecting with others who get it, who have been where you are or are walking a similar path can be one of the most healing things you do for yourself and your child.

Talking to others who understand what you're going through can bring comfort and hope that’s hard to find anywhere else.

There’s power in shared experiences. Sometimes the smallest tip from another parent makes the biggest impact. Sometimes just hearing, “You’re doing a great job,” from someone who understands the sleepless nights, the therapy sessions and the meltdowns, is enough to help you breathe a little easier.

So, ask the questions. Share the hard moments. Celebrate the little victories out loud. You’re not alone and you never have to be. 

Celebrate the small stuff.
Eye contact. A new sound. A meltdown that ends faster than the last. These are victories. They all matter, no matter the size.

Trust me when I say, the progress we’re experiencing now I never thought I would see. There were days when I went to bed feeling defeated, exhausted, emotionally drained, and unsure of how we’d get through the next day. But I always got up, and I fought like hell to have a better day than the one before.

Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it whispers. And if you’re not careful, you might miss just how far you’ve come.

Do not be discouraged when it feels like there’s nothing to celebrate. I promise you; better days will come. Even on the hard days, hope still lives here. You’re doing more than enough, and your love is making a difference.

You’re doing better than you think.
I wish someone had said this to me more often. So, I’m saying it to you now.

You’re doing better than you think.

I know there are days when you feel like you’re barely holding it together. Days when you question every decision, wonder if you're doing enough, or feel like you're failing your child. But you’re not. You’re showing up. You’re learning. You’re advocating. And that counts for more than you realize.

Every therapy session scheduled. Every meltdown patiently handled. Every tear wiped away, yours or theirs. That’s strength and love in motion.

Keep showing up and advocating for your loved one(s). Even when the progress feels slow or invisible. Even when you're exhausted.

Each and every day will get a little easier to manage. Take it from someone who has been doing it for the past three and a half years; we are living proof that persistence pays off. Love paired with support and action, makes a difference.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going. 

Looking Back Now

I still have days where I feel unsure, exhausted, and overwhelmed. That part doesn’t magically disappear. But what has changed is that I no longer feel alone.

Karson’s journey has taught me how to lead with love, even in the middle of the unknown. Even when the answers aren’t clear, and the road ahead feels long. Love is enough to keep going.

If you’re just starting out, take a deep breath. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need a perfect plan or all the right words.

Just take it one moment, one meltdown, one miracle at a time.

You’ve got this, and I’ve got you!

Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

Someone out there feels lost and overwhelmed like we once did, and they are searching for hope. Your voice, your story, could be the light that helps them find their way.

So, if anything in this blog spoke to your heart, share it with someone else who needs to hear it. Leave a comment. Tell me where you are on your journey, ask questions, or offer encouragement.

Together, we’re stronger. 💪 

#AutismAwareness #KarsonsJourney #YouAreNotAlone

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