Let me be straightforward: I have no interest in understanding what causes autism. Not even a little.
Honestly, I don’t need to know why my child is on the spectrum. I’m not looking for someone to blame or seeking closure. Sure, I could use a nap, but the intricacies of autism are not on my agenda. To borrow a line from Bob Seger, I’ve “turned the page.”
Why This Seemingly Self-Absorbed Attitude?
It’s all about survival. Life is busy, and I choose to leave the scientific inquiries to the experts. Those researchers aren’t the ones tackling the laundry or unloading the dishwasher at my house. So, I’ll let them handle their work while I focus on finding new slow cooker recipes online.
You might wonder about the families who are just beginning their journey in the autism community. I completely understand your concerns. I’ve seen friends join the ranks of the “Club Spectrum,” and it’s tough to witness. Unfortunately, there’s no Hallmark card for that occasion. Yet, I can’t shoulder that burden as well. My priority is to stay focused on my child and what he needs. I love sharing helpful advice, but I believe it’s healthier for parents to chat about the latest game or binge-worthy shows rather than delve into medical research. Sometimes, it’s essential to switch off the “All autism. All the time.” mindset because honestly, my brain needs a breather.
Facing New Challenges
My son is now ten, and I have bigger challenges on my plate. Middle school is fast approaching, and I recently noticed some hair in unexpected places. He’s starting to develop that distinctive teenage boy odor. Puberty is looming, and I’m slightly terrified about teaching him to shave. If I can’t even manage to get him to trim his toenails without sneaking it in while he sleeps, how will I handle shaving? Can I tackle that while he’s asleep? Is that a feasible option?
He still struggles to write his name. You want me to sift through countless articles and blogs about what might have caused his autism? That’s way down on my to-do list. He’s growing quickly, and I have enough to worry about without adding that to the mix. Honestly, I often forget to defrost something for dinner, let alone find time to read extensive medical research. My family can’t survive on research alone.
Finding Peace in Acceptance
If you’re still pondering what caused your child’s autism, I empathize. But I’ve chosen to close that door, and it has made me much happier.
Despite a life filled with routines, that decision has brought a sense of freedom. I’m not saying this is the only perspective or that you should follow my lead. As we say in New Jersey, “You do you.” Just be open to shifting your focus away from this one concern. You might find it liberating.
For more insights on navigating parenting, check out this article on managing the autism “problem” in our homes. And if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, this retailer offers reputable kits to help you along your journey. Additionally, Progyny is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination support.
In summary, it’s perfectly fine to step back from the quest for answers surrounding autism. Focus on what truly matters in your life, and you might find greater peace along the way.
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