Parenting is a wild ride, especially when your child is on the autism spectrum. My eldest, Emma, arrived just as autism diagnoses began to skyrocket, and parenting books were still figuring out their best advice. Now that she’s a teenager, I’ve embraced our unique journey and can truly appreciate the many benefits of raising an autistic teen.
1. No Boy Band Concerts!
After 17 years, I’ve been spared the dreaded boy band concert experience. Emma has zero interest in pop music, and if she did, I’d need industrial-strength earplugs just to survive the noise. Luckily, that means I don’t have to dodge the teenage concert crowd!
2. Fashion Freedom
When it comes to clothing, comfort reigns supreme in Emma’s world. While I’ve braved stores that smell like a cologne factory explosion, she couldn’t care less about fashion trends. This is a win for her, for me, and for my poor nostrils!
3. Honesty is Key
Forget the guessing game—Emma’s thoughts are as clear as day. Whether I’m late, too loud, or just taking the wrong route, she’ll let me know without hesitation. And good luck telling her about “beating around the bush,” because she’ll quickly point out how nonsensical that phrase is!
4. Curfew? What’s That?
Gone are the days of sneaking back into the house after negotiating curfews with my mom. Every Friday and Saturday night, I know exactly where Emma is. If she’s awake at odd hours, it’s probably because we forgot her melatonin!
5. Insurance Savings
I’m not losing sleep over late-night drives or worrying about insurance premiums. Not having to hand over the car keys is a major relief!
6. Still Buddies
While Emma does have friends she enjoys spending time with, Mom still ranks pretty high on her list. I can keep pretending I’m cool for now, until my other kids hit their teenage years and set me straight.
7. Affectionate Nature
Emma skipped the “don’t touch me” phase entirely. She’ll still hold my hand, shower me with hugs, and sit on my lap if we weren’t the same height. No complaints here!
8. Less Drama
While we experience our fair share of routine disruptions, it’s nothing like the classic teen drama of mean girl antics. The biggest issues usually revolve around schedules and transportation, which is much easier to manage.
9. Genuine Kindness
Emma has a heart of gold. She treats everyone with respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. You’ll never catch her gossiping or spreading negativity—she just doesn’t have it in her!
10. Innocent Perspective
Emma’s innocence is a refreshing take on life. She views the world without judgment or malice, which is a beautiful thing to witness.
Raising a teenager with autism might come with its challenges, but the rewards are endless. If you’re interested in learning more about family and parenting, check out our other blog posts on related topics. For a deeper dive into pregnancy and home insemination, visit CCRM IVF—it’s a fantastic resource to explore.
In summary, having an autistic teenager like Emma has its perks—no boy bands, less drama, and a whole lot of honesty. Embracing this journey has been an adventure filled with love and laughter.