How A Diagnosis Can Seem Like Being "Typecast"

Is sharing a diagnosis a good thing? Or is it better to let people figure it out? Does the diagnosis matter all the time? What does sharing a diagnosis do, exactly?

I have trouble with this often, knowing what to tell people when they encounter my 12-year-old daughter. Most everyone that knows our family is aware that she has autism--naturally, word gets out. But when we are out in public, and something sets her off (which is becoming more and more rare), I have been known to tell people around me that she has autism. In fact, a number of years ago in a Wal-Mart line while she was having a horrible tantrum and people all around me were staring, I blurted out, "She has autism, OKAY???" That seems to set people straight again, since most everyone in society has at least heard of autism, or knows something about it. (There are plenty of parents writing about it, and self-advocates, too. And that's a good thing. Keep writing and sharing.)

But you know what? I hate that I have to use her diagnosis as an excuse for her behavior, or to explain her behavior. Because once the word has been applied to her--once people have been told she has autism, she has, in a sense, been "typecast." It changes how people view her and interact with her. It just changes everything.

The word "typecast" makes me think of certain actors in Hollywood. Those poor children who grew up playing the characters from Harry Potter--talk about being drawn into a box. Sure, some have broken out and played other roles, but they will always be Harry, Hermione, and Ron. And what about Lord of the Rings? Elijah Wood and Sean Astin are hobbits, forever. Steve Urkel from "Family Matters?" Screech from "Saved by the Bell?" Will we ever truly see these actors as anything other than what they have portrayed for so long on the screen? This typecast thing must be pretty tough as an actor.

But back to us regular people. What about those kids with "labels?" Haven't we essentially done the same with them? When I tell a person my daughter has autism, is she then written off as someone with autism? Someone who automatically, indefinitely has no capability to be a friend to someone, to have fun with, to talk to? Someone who is so different that there's no point in trying to connect or relate? This is the danger that I see behind sharing the diagnosis--the person being told the diagnosis sets limits on the individual based on the knowledge they have of that particular diagnosis. The individual has been typecast, prescribed a specific description of characteristics, and only very few will actually try breaking through the boundaries of so-called "definition" to discover what lies inside that box.

Those few are, of course, parents. Family members. Close friends. Teachers. The ones who don't even see the diagnosis anymore, but the child or individual for who he or she is. They see potential, abilities, no limits. They see what others do not see, because they love. Love can also be spelled TIME. They've had time to love. "Perfect love casteth out all fear." (1 John 4:18). And maybe the root of typecasting is fear, after all. Fear of what a person does not understand about a disability or disease. It's easier to set a boundary based on what you know, rather than digging deeper. Maybe if we treated all people out of love there would never be a need to typecast. Or maybe the diagnosis wouldn't be a boundary, but a bridge to gain new understanding--a bridge that leads to a starting point of a beautiful relationship, that leads to love.

Just imagine if we viewed others out of love and not fear. I wouldn't have to fear what others would think when I explain that my daughter has autism. But you know what, there's a good chance that I wouldn't even have to mention the diagnosis at all, because we are all different and diverse, and with love as our lens, it wouldn't matter what a child or person might be faced with. Love would conquer all.

Those poor typecast actors trying to break through what others see them as. Daniel Radcliffe has certainly proven he can be more than Harry Potter. Dustin Diamond has pursued other avenues as well. And who could forget the episode when Steve Urkel ditches the nerd-clothes and plays another character, one much more desirable and good-looking? Is it possible that those kids with "labels" can be viewed differently, too? Can they be viewed as more than their diagnosis by those outside their close-knit circle? I think so. I know so. Sharing the diagnosis might change things, but it shouldn't limit things--only open new doors of understanding. As long as love is part of the equation, anything is possible.

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Julianna Gives a Talk in Church

Church is a big part of our lives. Our family belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My husband and I were both born and raised in this religion, we married in the San Diego Temple after meeting at Brigham Young University, and now we raise our "special reds" in Southern California. Such a typical Mormon story, right?

The LDS/Mormon church is more than just a Sunday thing--we live it every day. We read scriptures with our kids and say prayers--we have since they were born. We have Family Home Evening every Monday night (a family time where we share a spiritual lesson and enjoy being together). Joel and I serve in church callings, sometimes very demanding ones. Our kids are blessed to attend their primary classes and boy scouts and activity days and fun primary activities. We have lived here since Joel graduated from BYU 11 years ago. This is our home. The ward family, or congregation that we attend, has seen my children grow up. They have helped me when I've struggled, and believe me, it's been a lot. So in short, being a member of this church is our livelihood and our strength. I know I haven't talked about it much here, but I owe so much to my religion and beliefs for my courage and hope in the face of so many trials.

When Julianna turned 12 years old in December, I was given a new calling: Young Women Secretary. This means I serve with the Young Women Presidency in our ward, and attend Sunday meetings and events for the Young Women, aged 12-18. It has been so wonderful watching Julianna experience mutual (Wednesday night activities), Personal Progress (a goal-setting program for Young Women) and the Young Women class on Sundays (the third hour of church.)

But there was one thing I wasn't planning for, or didn't even think about, after she turned 12: the fact that 12 year olds have the opportunity to give talks in church. Would the Bishopric (leaders or pastors of the ward/congregation) ask her to give a talk? Or would they assume that she couldn't? But can she even give a talk? This is Julianna, the girl who has never gone up to bear her testimony on Fast Sunday (every first Sunday of the month, the ward members fast and during Sacrament meeting, have the opportunity to bear their testimony). So I just waited to see if it would happen, and lo and behold, one Sunday last month, a member of the Bishopric approached my husband and asked if Julianna would be willing to give a talk. He came home to tell me.

Honestly, my first thought? Complete and total fear. How could I even possibly help her gain the courage to get up in front of over 100 people when she's never done it before? Luckily, we had 3 weeks advance notice, but we weren't given the topic yet, so the first week, we talked to Julianna about how she felt. We asked her if she wanted to give a talk, and she shrugged her shoulders and quietly said, yes. She's watched her friends give talks, and this girl truly wants to do whatever her peers are doing. So we went forward, trusting it was the right decision.

In that time, I also let her stand at the pulpit on a Wednesday night. I wanted to make sure she had at least stood there before she gave her talk. She did not want to talk into the microphone, but listened as I did.

Once we got the topic, personal revelation, I set out to write the talk for her. I knew I had to keep the sentences short and to the point. I also knew I had to type in out in larger font, and divide each sentence into separate lines so she could visually read it better. That night, we had our first practice after our family scripture reading. We told her that we were going to practice it every night until she gave her talk. This gave us 10 days to practice, and she was not always agreeable, but we persevered!

A few days into practicing, I noticed that when she read, she would not separate the sentences with a pause, and this made it hard to comprehend what she was saying. So I took a red pencil and drew bold lines between every period and comma as a visual cue for her to stop and pause at those parts. This seemed to help a little bit. I also blacked out some words that I thought weren't necessary--in the end, it was just the right talk for her. The funniest part was she didn't want to start her talk with "Good morning, brothers and sisters," like so many people do. She made me cross it out! Here's a picture of her talk below.

 

About 5 days before her talk was to be given, I decided to start recording her on my phone, and letting her watch it back. Every time, we would notice things to improve. And as it got closer, she really was sounding great! Her rhythm and pacing was perfect, and though her voice was a little soft, the microphone would make up for that. Also, every day since her assignment to speak, in our family prayers, we would pray for her to be able to give this talk.

The big day came, and Joel got home from his morning meetings before church with enough time to give her a Priesthood Blessing. I asked him to do this because I felt like we had to do everything in our power to give Julianna the best chance for success. His blessing of comfort was wonderful, and we left for church, still not knowing what might happen.

When we got there, we sat closer to the front than usual. I asked her if she wanted to sit on the stand until it was her turn to speak, or if she wanted to stay with the family in the pews. The speakers don't talk until after the sacrament is administered, so I wasn't sure if she would want to sit up there alone for close to 30 minutes. Joel suggested that I sit up there with her, so that's what I did. Before I sat down, though, I told the bishopric members that they would probably have to adjust the microphone so it was in the right place for her to be heard clearly, and they would also have to turn up the volume! I told them we had done everything on our part to prepare her, but that I still didn't know if she would do it. They were fine with this, so I sat down with Julianna and waited for the meeting to start.

A brother (man in the ward) sitting up there asked if Julianna was giving a talk, and I said yes. He asked me if I thought she would be brave enough to get up there. In that moment, I had to tell him I wasn't sure, because really, all the practice was great, but you just can't practice giving a talk without taking a leap of faith and doing it. The first time doing something is always hard, and for Julianna, this was going to be a HUGE first. I told him that I really hoped she would do it all by herself.

As we sat there during the sacrament portion of the meeting, I prayed that I could hold back the tears long enough to hear her speak. Being a mom is such an emotional journey, and sitting there with her, it was hard for me to believe that she was old enough to be doing this, and that she was actually willing to. It was really tough to keep my composure.

Finally the sacrament ended, and a member of the Bishopric announced the speakers. He then turned it over to Julianna. She looked at me, and I said, go ahead, you can do it! And I watched as she walked the 10 feet to the pulpit, placed her talk down, and began speaking after the bishopric member adjusted the microphone. I held back the tears as she said every word, more clearly than she ever had in any of our practices. I looked out into the congregation and saw huge smiles and even tears on the faces of the ward members. Julianna gave her talk, all by herself, and I couldn't have been more proud.

When she was done, I walked with her back to where the rest of my family was sitting, tears in my eyes. It was like she grew up in that moment, like she became a young woman. She did something that, 5 years ago if you had asked me, I would have never imagined it possible. But it was possible, and I owe a huge part of this to our faith and prayers, and even the prayers of some of you that read my post on Facebook the night before. I could truly feel your prayers!

It wasn't just prayers, though. It took a lot of work on our part and her part to make this possible. "Faith without works is dead." Without all the practice, Julianna wouldn't have had the courage to do this, either. Prayer and works really do go together. If you show the Lord all that you can do, he will make up the difference. I know for a fact that Julianna was helped as she gave that talk. To me, it was a miracle. She far exceeded our expectations!

When Sacrament meeting was over, I told Julianna that lots of people will want to come tell her what a good job she did, and that she should try to thank them when they do so. Well, it didn't take long before people were gathering around her to congratulate her, and it continued for the remaining two hours of church. I think she was getting overwhelmed by the attention! But I really appreciated all the kind words that were said. And even though she wasn't able to thank you herself with her words, I know she appreciated it, too.

I am so glad that she was given this opportunity. I know it has helped boost her confidence and testimony, and it certainly has helped mine. I have learned, once again, that I can never deny my daughter an opportunity to do anything. Autism does not limit her, it only makes things more challenging. As parents, we have to be willing to help our kids overcome obstacles to reach their potential. What seemed impossible to me before is now possible because of hard work and prayer. I'm so proud of her, and look forward to more opportunities for her to grow as she gets older. Next on the list: girls' camp this summer!  

Interview with Nancy H, Julianna's School Teacher

When I heard that Julianna's amazing teacher, Nancy H., was retiring this year, I knew I needed to sit down with her and ask what she has learned from her impressive teaching career. I have seen amazing progress in Julianna since she's been with Mrs. H., and so appreciate her hard work for those students. During our interview, she also told me that Julianna is now giving her compliments about her clothing, which is a new thing. Almost every day, Julianna will tell Mrs. H. that she likes her clothes--there was one sparkly silver sweater in particular that Julianna liked so much that Mrs. H. said she might give it to Julianna at the end of the year. Thanks so much, Mrs. H., for your diligence and passion as a teacher! You will be missed!

How long have you been teaching? What drew you to the profession?

Total, 38 years. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was little. When I would go to friends' houses, I would play "teacher" with their younger siblings. I thought it was weird when people didn't know what they wanted to do in college, because I always knew what I wanted to do.

What types of classes and students have you taught?

I've done a little of everything--infant care at college campuses--I opened an infant center at UC Riverside. I've taught early childhood education at a community college, and all grades except high school. I've taught headstart programs, regular elementary school classes, and adult classes. But I've always been drawn to the inclusion classes.

Tell me about your own children.

Of my three children, my oldest is very "normal," but did have some minor issues with dyslexia. My son had much worse dyslexia and auditory discrimination issues and was placed in special education classes. This is where I learned to take a stand and defend him and make sure his class settings were right. This is what opened my world to special education. He has disabilities, but he's like any other kid.

What have you learned from doing the inclusion class?

I feel like teachers should accept any child that walks through the door. I make sure to modify the class for every student. To me, there shouldn't be the divisions. Every child deserves to learn, and it's my job as a teacher to adapt my curriculum to reach their learning. When they began doing inclusion classes, I volunteered, because I wanted to prove that it could be done.

I was sent to a inclusion training with another teacher, and I saw that students were helping other students in wheelchairs, and I remember thinking, "YES! Why can't it be that way?" It should be that way! I also learned more about autism, and my eyes were opened. It really is different for every child on the spectrum. I've taught the inclusion class for 5 years, but before that, I was the mainstreaming teacher, because they knew I liked having children from special education sent to my class. I've done that throughout my entire career, actually. This has allowed me to teach many different children.

What do you love about being a teacher?

What I love is sharing that experience when a child or adult gets that "a-ha!" and you see the light go on. I love that I get to be a part of that. Even smaller things, like a child that never takes his jacket off. I tell myself, by the end of the year, that jacket's coming off. When it does, it's like, "Yay! I did it!" The curriculum isn't as big a deal for me, because they can learn math or reading from anyone. It's all about those life-changing moments, when the child might say, "I can't," and then later can say, "I can." It's about the connections.

What do you not like about teaching?

When generalizations are made. I hate that they're separated just by age. I wish they would separate by subject, and have rooms with just writing teachers, and another room for the math, and then another room for being creative. I think more individualized help could be given. I don't like when students are made to fit in a box, or when teachers don't want to teach a certain student. I can feel my patience slipping, and I knew I needed to retire. I make sure to apologize to my students when I snap at them, or warn them if I'm having a groggy day! I like to be real with them.

What is the biggest challenge that teachers face now?

Being asked to do things that we know we can't do. A lot of the curriculum isn't developmentally appropriate, but some is. I love common core, and I've noticed that education cycles around. It's coming back to what we used to do when I first started teaching, where you try different methods to learn the same thing. Before common core, teaching used to be scripted, where all teachers had to teach the same page every day, and you had to move on even if they didn't learn it. It wasn't about mastery--it was more surface teaching. Now that we are doing common core and teaching 10 ways for math concepts, it can feel overwhelming for some students, but it's a change from what we are used to, and it will get better. Common core is helping kids learn more deeply, rather than the surface teaching. The testing has been so challenging, and some problems take 30 minutes to complete, but I think it will get easier. It's more than memorizing--it's finding what makes the connection.

How has being a teacher changed you?

I don’t think being a teacher has changed me. Instead, I think it has made me more aware of the differences in children’s life experiences and family make-up. Some students come to school prepared and ready to go, whereas others need lots of support.  My goal as a teacher is more on the social/emotional development, rather than the academic curriculum.  I feel if students are sound emotionally, then they can learn.  I feel it is my job, my duty, to make sure they feel safe, loved, respected, and nurtured, then true “learning” can take place.

Have you ever wanted to quit? What would you tell new teachers that are struggling?

I have never wanted to “quit.” I just have, over the years, developed new goals or tried new things. If I became bored, I would switch grade levels or incorporate new ideas. I would never “quit” the profession.  Facing retirement is kind of scary to me now.  I would tell new teachers to just hang on-- things will get easier as time passes. Also, to focus on one area each year and strive for as close to perfection as you can get, but also realize that with each class, you need to change and adapt to their individual needs.

What are your feelings about special education in general?

This has been my “baby” for about the last ten years.  I have a special needs child myself (minor disabilities) but a struggle none the less. This gave me a personal connection as to how these students are perceived and treated. I think, as a whole, we have come very far. My child was one of those that did not “fit” into a program. General education moved too fast for him, but special education was too low. It was a struggle. I feel that all students, with the exception of violent behavior issues, should all be placed in general education classrooms, with pull-out services, as needed, on an individual basis. I have had students, however, who are just “overwhelmed” by the size and pace of a general education classroom and benefited from smaller, more tailored programs. This is the main point--individual needs should be met for each and every child.  It should not be determined based on financial reasons.

What is the biggest thing your students have taught you? What do you hope to have taught them?

The biggest thing they have taught me is the diversity of their families. It has made me think before giving assignments so I don’t set them up to fail, meaning, if they do not have a supportive family, or extra funds to spend on projects, I don’t assign them. We do those in class, and I provide the supplies. I never want a child to resent their family because their classmates “have more.” Family is first and should be that way. I hope I have taught them, first of all, that I truly care about them. Next, that anything is possible, that the things that have happened in the past can be changed, that things that are hard can become easier, and that they need to make their dreams come true by working hard and
finding support, whether that support comes from home, school, or their community. NEVER GIVE UP! That seems simple, but for some, it is their hardest obstacle.

Do you have any regrets?

Not really. I tend to think things happen for a reason and the changes I have made throughout my career have happened because they were supposed to. I feel some students have been placed in my class because I have been meant to help them. I have had some real challenges, but they all have had some positive results. There have been students, in the past, where I have feared for their futures or their safety. Those are the hardest to lose contact with. I have wanted to take some home. This is where being a teacher is very difficult--there is only so much we can do.

What legacy do you want to leave as a teacher? What do you want others to remember about you?

When I chose the inclusion class, I always looked at that as my legacy. I knew I was going to be retiring fairly soon, and I wanted to leave that mark, that it can be done, and very easily and successfully done. Don't let disabilities or medical challenges define the child--every child deserves the best they can get, whatever that best is. For some kids, it is a special education class, because it just won't work, but inclusion is worth trying. You make the school fit for the child, you don't make the child fit for the school. And you never leave any child at the door--you welcome them all in, with whatever they bring. That's what a true teacher is to me.

One of my college professors told me that you can be a teacher for 30 years, or you can teach the same thing 30 times. I have been in this profession for 38 years. Hopefully, I have changed and adapted to always meet the needs of my students for 38 years, especially on an emotional level and with positive, memorable, and motivating experiences.

Guest Post: Susan S., Autism and Mastocytosis

Susan S. reached out to me on my facebook page to share her story with all of you. I was happy to do so. Read on to hear about her experience being diagnosed with autism, and also mast cell disease (or mastocytosis). As you can see, she found my page for a reason! Having a child with autism and another with mastocytosis, I'm sure glad she found me, and that she could share her story.

I was 33 when I finally received my autism diagnosis. There were just a lot of things that led up to it. I always knew I was different. So did my mom. But getting a diagnosis in the 80's was probably harder than pulling teeth from a crocodile.

As for how it made me feel, at first I was like WHO AM I? Then as I learned more about it, I realized a lot of things suddenly made sense that didn't make sense before and I came to accept it as part of who I am.

Symptoms.... I call them signs. There was the speech delay, the delayed walking, just the lack of truly functional verbal communication, the social awkwardness, the desire to fit in and belong and have friends but the inability to actually do so. Did we suspect autism? Not in the beginning because we truly did not have the information we now have.

My challenges: I need routine. A break in routine can throw me off. The weather changing can throw me off. Too much noise or color or texture can throw me off. It's like living on a roller coaster.

My blessings: Just being able to know more about why I am different from others. It helps me to know there is a reason. Plus I feel more connected to God and to nature as well. I feel like autism gives me a unique perspective of the world that others lack. I am able to see more of the beauty of the world.

Other challenges I have are with regard to being able to get and keep a job. I somehow can practice an interview and do fine, but when I get into the real interview, I flub up. I wish that I could have someone do the interview for me in place of me.

In terms of helping others understand autism, it has not been easy, but the biggest thing I think has been teaching them that autism never goes away and as such, no one should be aging out of services and programs for autistics.

I also use a lot of identity-first language. I want people to know that's okay. In my advocacy for autism, I emphasis that adults still need access just as much as children and that we need early intervention and diagnosis. One of the biggest success stories in my advocacy so far has to be the fact that my state autism agency finally lifted the age cap on tennis clinics making it possible for more to be able to attend and one of the individuals to stay with it. One of the boys loves it so much but he was turning into an adult and aging out. It made no sense for that to happen.

I also discovered I have mast cell disease. I will be honest, we are still in the early testing stages, but all these years of losing immunoglobulins and being allergic but not having my IgEs agree that I was allergic now make more sense. The allergist was testing for venom allergy due to some concerns we had raised in clinic about my having been stung by a wasp the year before. And when he tested it, he also tested the serum tryptase level. It came back slightly elevated. So he said he wanted to test it again. Again, it came back slightly elevated but higher than the first time. But one of my doctors took the leap and started me on cromolyn sodium oral solution while he looks into what biopsy we need to do for me, and so far it is helping a lot, especially with my gut issues. That's what was impacted the most - my gut.

My daily life has gone from constantly having to interrupt meals to find a restroom and from constantly having to be in the restroom to being run by a strict medication schedule, but I am going to stick it out with that medicine because for the first time in a long time, I am not having to see the restroom so much (at least with regard to the gut, the bladder is a different issue). What I have learned is that a lot of systems can be affected. It's more than just skin, but can also be systemic. And never rely on what you think you knew about allergies either. One day, I can literally have no issues, but the next be all itchy and tongue ulcers.... It's a long journey though, and I have only just begun with the mast cells.

Another thing, and this is kind of the perplexing thing is that both mast cell disease and immune deficiency are pretty rare and somehow I have both. They tend to go in equal but opposite directions. I'm no longer just a zebra. I'm a zebra-corn! (Zebra/unicorn)

One thing for people to know about autism? That's a hard one, but maybe I would just want them to have a simple understanding. So, one thing about autism is this: Being autistic is like being a Mac computer in a PC world. We eventually do the same tasks, but we take different routes to get them done. One thing about mast cell disease: Fight. Do not let a doctor say to you that they can do nothing for you or that they refuse to do anything for you. While my state has no specialist, there is a specialist they can communicate with. So fight.

To All Mothers of Special Needs Children on Mother's Day: I Know How You Feel

Being a mom is nothing like I expected it would be, but I wouldn't change it. What I have learned as a mom has transformed me into a stronger, more confident person. But motherhood is more than what I've learned--it's what I've felt. Motherhood has brought out more feelings, more emotion, than I ever could have experienced otherwise. I have three very special children: a child on the autism spectrum, a child with a rare blood disorder, and a child born with a birth defect. This Mother's Day, I want to write a tribute to all those moms of special needs children, because even though our challenges have all been unique, I feel you.

I know what it feels like to wonder why your child isn't hitting milestones, and to wonder if you didn't do enough to help your child reach them.

I know what it feels like when you wish you could do more for your child, but also feel like you're not doing enough.

I know what it feels like to compare your child to others, even though you know you shouldn't.

I know what it feels like to be afraid of the behaviors your child is displaying, and wanting to hide from the world. Fear is a powerful emotion.

I know what it feels like when your child gets stares and whispers in public. It hurts--so much that it often ends in tears.

I know what it feels like to take your child to doctor after doctor, hoping you will get the answer this time, but also secretly hoping you won't, because you don't want your life to change, or your child's future to be different.

I know what it feels like to sit in waiting rooms at doctor's offices, looking around at all the other parents like you with special children, and realizing that this is my new life, my new world.

I know what it feels like to hear a doctor give your child a diagnosis, and having your life change in an instant.

I know what it feels like to cry yourself to sleep at night, wishing you didn't have to face all these challenges with your child, wishing you could take it all away and just have a "normal" life.

I know what it feels like to have your hope taken away from you.

I know what it feels like to be on the phone--a LOT.

I know what it feels like to have no one understand your situation.

I know what it feels like to send your child off to school, and hope and pray they have a good day.

I know what it feels like to have a child with mysterious and frightening symptoms--so mysterious that your own pediatrician can't tell you what it is--the helplessness.

I know what it feels like to have an out of control household--so chaotic that you often surrender your desire for any control at all, because nothing you do works.

I know what it feels like to have a baby whisked away from you right after birth for testing, to be brought to the ICU because something is wrong. All you want to do is hold your new baby, but you can't.

I know what it feels like to wait for your baby to be observed, and watch the hours tick by, having no idea what could be going on.

I know what it feels like to experience uncontrollable guilt after hearing your child has a birth defect, or any other illness or disorder. What did I do wrong? What did I not do better?

I know what it feels like to have your child go through surgery. It hurts to see your child suffer.

I know what it feels like to be tired--physically, emotionally, and mentally--so much that your body hurts, and you wonder how you will possibly make it to tomorrow. But you do.

But you know what? Even with all the hard things us special needs moms go through, I also know what it feels like when you see your baby smile for the first time.

I know what it feels like when your child does reach that important milestone--even if it wasn't accomplished on the bell curve for "typical" children.

I know what it feels like to suddenly see your child for who they are--the moment when their diagnosis doesn't matter anymore. It's a liberating feeling.

I know what it feels like when your child achieves a new skill that took days, weeks, months, maybe even years to reach, and knowing that all that hard work really was making a difference. You just couldn't see it or believe it until now.

I know what it feels like when your child makes friends at school--real friends. You feel on top of the world.

I know what it feels like to fight for your child--something you didn't know you could do before.

I know what it feels like to see this motherhood thing for what it really is--a selfless path of learning and self-discovery through the eyes of your child--an opportunity to live with a love so strong that it's indescribable. No challenge, no disability, no health issue can take that feeling away.

Maybe your motherhood story wasn't what you expected, either. You are strong even if you don't feel like you are, because you are doing something right now to help your child achieve their greatest potential. Yes, it may cause you to feel weak and tired from all the extra tasks required, but you are already strong because you are a mother.

To all the moms of special needs children, I salute you and celebrate you this Mother's Day. You are doing a great job. And remember, you are not alone. I know how you feel, just like many others like me do.