Inner circle first time tell-all discussion about autustic child’s diagnosis
How do I tell my inner circle my child has autism? My family and I are very close. It is rare that when families immigrate from Africa that all siblings come along with their parents at the same time. I was blessed that me and all of my siblings came to the United States at the same time. Growing up, my parents always encouraged unity and oneness. My mom always used to say “you all are one unit. Never break the chain of family.” I am proud to say that this has held true until today. We are still very close and even though we are all in different cities and in different seasons in our lives we are still there to encourage each other and pray for each other as we all journey through life.
Jayson’s Journey
If you haven’t already, please take the time out to review Jayson’s journey to his diagnosis on our website at www.segcenter.org. It outlines the timeline of how Jayson came to the diagnosis of autism. After getting the diagnosis, I am sure I responded like most parents did when they got the diagnosis…shock, mixed with sadness, anxiety and depression. It couldn’t be? My child? No! It’s just a delay! It’s not autism! I’m sure you went through every scenario in your brain. What caused this? What did I do wrong? Is God punishing me for something? After the initial shock and slew of questions then comes how do I tell my family and friends? What will they think of Jayson? Trust me when I say, I don’t care about people’s opinions of me, but we are talking about my child. As the journey of autism started it was difficult to explain to my inner circle (family and friends) what was going on with Jayson. My family and friends all wanted to know what was being done to help Jayson. What could be done to “cure” him? I have to admit those questions also crossed my mind but I knew what licensed professionals were telling me and there was no cure.
I had to explain to them that Jayson needed extensive services with the hopes that early intervention would have a significant impact on him. I had to tell them that I didn’t know all the answers but I needed their support and prayers. I am so grateful that they came and continue to come through for me and Jayson. I know not everyone reading this blog has the same support from their family and friends, but let me reassure you, you serve a God that declares in Deuteronomy 31:6 that “be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” I pray you continue on in this journey knowing that truth. As we eventually start and build up more connections with Jayson’s Autism Crew group on Facebook, we will all become ONE Family, and ONE body in CHRIST.
Love you all,
God bless.