For parents of children diagnosed with autism, Christmas hurts.
Actually, this is the holiday where parents realize that something is wrong with their child. The children are two and don`t even care about their presents. They are disturbed by all the wildness of present opening. They don`t anticipate or even understand. It`s really just a nightmare for parents who looked forward to the joy of Christmas with their child.
Now, for parents running home programs, the holidays also mean a vacation for the therapists. As well it should, by the way. But this means that no therapy gets done for two weeks, or the parents do it. Either way, it`s very hard for the family.
But dear parents, what really used to get to me was the lack of understanding of this by some professionals. Over and over again I`d have professionals ask me "so, did you have a good Holiday?" "NO", I wanted to shout! "It was the Holiday from HELL"! But one can hardly say that, really. I actually laugh now when I read this. I mean, really, did I have a GOOD holiday? Good gravey!!
But I want to tell you dear parents that each Christmas has been better and better. Each Christmas shows us a more awakened son. Let me give you hope that your hard work will pay off. This year, our son`s face lit up when he and his sister got a huge trampoline. They ran out and played on it together. What a joy for us all!
So please, please don`t give up hope. And know that other parents support you. Your hard work and deligence will pay off my friend.
My heart is with you,
Katherine Lee