| Not the OP, but I can answer this. It depends. Autism is a spectrum, not a single condition. I have two children with autism, and they are different. The younger one is much more self-sufficient than the older one. Has it gotten easier? With the younger one? Yes. With the older one? No. The reasons are many. Both are still in diapers at 8 and 9 (soon to be 10), though the 8-year-old is getting potty trained. We are hopeful. The older one will probably never be out of diapers. The older one is also fairly big for his age. He always has been. He's also strong, does not know his own strength, and almost the height of my wife. She cannot lift him. Luckily, he's an affectionate child, so usually he just wants hugs or to sit on laps and be tickled. We have a stroller for him so we can take him places as he has low-tone muscles. Both are a flight risk (though the younger one is better now). The older one would wander into the road without a care. But it's hard. Really hard. And as they get older, there will be less and less support. At some point, we will not be able to properly care for him. However, society for the most part ignores this (despite the US doing a very good job compared to other nations). I love my children. I love that they are happy. They smile, they laugh, and that's all I want for them for their lives. Your priorities as a parent quickly changes when you learn this. Instead of hoping they have a good job and are successful, you reevaluate your hopes and aspirations for them and you. You realize that success isn't money or a startup, it's happiness. If my older child is happy for the rest of his life, how can I feel anything less than joy. I know people far more "successful" and far more "wealthy" and "doing what they love" and yet, they won't ever be as happy as my sons are. But it's hard. It's just hard because everything is harder than it should be. Everything takes longer, everything requires compromise, and not everything is available to you. The thing to remember is that my story is mine alone. Autism is a spectrum, and some will have it much easier. I love my two boys, and I would do anything for them, and all I want is for them to be happy. But it's hard. |
It's just harder than most can possibly imagine. When I look at her I see both my hopes and dreams from when I first held her still. The worst is seeing parents and neurotypical children together. I'm both happy for them but I get so envious. As time goes on too I'm finding my extended family invites us to less and less.