To the parent who just got a diagnosis.

I want to start this off by saying it's going to be okay and that you are not alone. For some the diagnosis comes as a total surprise maybe even like a punch to the gut. Maybe you thought they were just a little quirky or taking a little while to catch up. For others like me, it came as no surprise but that didn't make hearing it any less hurtful and disorienting. Dominic failed every single milestone and had just about every symptom of autism but that still did not lessen the blow. The day I got that phone call changed my life forever. 

We all kind have this idea of how life will go when it comes to raising kids. For the most part they are on a similar path, they will go to school, play sports or maybe become a theater kid. There will be dances and sleepovers and then graduation comes and they enter the adult world. Sure you'll always worry for them because they are your children and you love them but they are now fully capable of taking care of themselves. So what do you do when you get the news that lays an entirely new path in front of you?

Breathe. Breathe and do not forget this does not change who your child is. You have just received the diagnosis but they were autistic all along. It's okay to be hurt, scared, or angry. There's really no right way to feel because we all handle things differently. Once you have taken the time to process the news you must now realize you are your child's biggest advocate. You are their voice and their protector don't ever let anyone set limits for your child. They can achieve so much when we are standing with them. Check out local resources and maybe even find a parents group in your area or even online. Every child is different but having someone who is going through something similar to you is an amazing thing.

Another important thing is to have support through loved one, whether that's family or a close friend it can really make all the difference. Let them in this world you've entered with your child. Let them learn with and help you, vent to them, cry to them, and share every happy little milestone your child meets. For me this was my mom. She was a huge support person in my life while we went through the process of getting Dominic diagnosed and an even bigger support person after the diagnosis.

The path that you thought you were on has taken a turn to one less traveled. It will be scary and amazing all at the same time. It will show you that you are stronger than you ever thought you could be and you are capable of loving more than you ever thought possible. As you walk down this path two of the most important things to remember are you are not alone and it is going to be okay.