Going through my son’s diagnosis during the same time RFK Jr. spouts disinformation about vaccines causing autism has been a wild ride. Countless studies have proven that there is no connection between autism and vaccines, and yet his rhetoric continues to harm the autism community.
My own misconceptions and narrow-minded view of autism really made me drag my feet when it came to getting a diagnosis for my son. When we got him diagnosed, I didn’t expect to be so moved by the experience. I got to see his intellect in action and advocate for the parts of autism that make him uniquely him.
I wrote this opening piece when I was coming to terms with his diagnosis. Since then, so much has changed, but I wanted to be transparent about a time in my life where I felt really uncertain about the future. Today, my son is talking so much and participating in school. A couple of months after his diagnosis, he started naturalized ABA therapy, and he continues to grow, play, and be curious and funny at the same time.
I am incredibly grateful to the avengers of people who help my son on a daily basis. I am privileged to pay for some services out of pocket and others through insurance.
I appreciate you for reading this and giving me grace to have a conversation, make mistakes, and be open about my feelings with another parent going through a similar experience.
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