If you’re new around here you may not know that my son, Lucas, was born neurologically atypical. Last Friday he graduated from lower school and it’s got me in my feelings. 🥺💛 As a mom to a kid with developmental differences, I understand isolation. And it’s made me independent. But it’s not easy. It’s not the preferred route to becoming independent of others opinions. I didn’t always know what Lucas’ life what look like today and a few months ago a family member told me, ‘I’m happy to see you’ve outgrown your worries about Lucas’. I’m paraphrasing cause I have an awful memory but the bit that I could never forget are the words ‘outgrown your worries’ If you know a special needs mom NEVER tell her she’ll ‘outgrow’ her worries. To ‘outgrow’ suggests the worry isn’t real and you’ll ‘get over it with time’. That you’re anxious instead of vigilant. As special needs moms we grow accustomed to these types of judgements. And for the sake of our children we ignore them and we trust our own intuition. We could correct everyone, but we just don’t have the mental energy. Lucas and I put in some HARD work to get him to the point of graduating lower school and doing brilliantly academically, but he wouldn’t be here without his effort and stick-to-it-ness. Lucas, I am in awe of your ability to override the obstacles your body puts in front of you. Your effort is greater than those of us with typical neurology. It’s exhausting. You could give up. But you never do. You inspire me every single day. Today I am SO glad that I made a fuss, that I worked myself up and the people around me. That I made noise and advocated for you even when others thought I’d ‘outgrow’ this worry. Cause we did it kid. If you’re a mom of a special child, Trust yourself. Trust yourself first. Before the doctors. Before the therapist. Before the family members who believe they are doctors and therapists. You know your child You just do. It was designed that way. Trust yourself and know that you aren’t anxious. You are vigilant. (Also, peep Lucas dancing in the last frame. This kid can’t help himself 🥰🤣) #childhoodapraxiaofspeech #adhd #sensoryprocessingdisorder