THE HOLIDAYS

The Holidays are a time of happiness, giving, and joy.  But, all too often it comes with stress, depression, and being overwhelmed.  Everyone has their own burden to bear.  Having children with Developmental Disabilities and especially Autism can make it a more profound occasion.

Often, due to the child's disability, many are not invited to family and friends events.  They are often left out because of behavior problems.  Many family and friends distance themselves from the disabled person because they need so much care and attention which affects the relationship with the rest of the family.  These families of the disabled person often spend the Holidays alone and make the best of it.

Since there is such a large and growing population of families with disabled children and adult children, many are faced with this barrier.  Some are grateful it is only 1 day to pass before getting on with life.

Not many understand or want to understand because it has not hit home for them.  But, as time goes on we learn to cope with our situation and do make other friends who walk in our shoes and sympathize with what life has hit us with.

For all these families with this burden there is some solace in knowing our kids with these debilitations will always love us eternally and yearn for us when they are residentially placed.  These are the children that will be true to us for all time.  This is the greatest gift that many of these distant families will never know.  We have to be grateful for this blessing.