Autism Awareness: My Purpose As His Mom Is To Be His Voice

 




Written By: Jacquie Hamilton

Photos Provided By: Jacquie Hamilton


Any opportunity I get to share my story I take it because my story may help or encourage someone else to share theirs. I remember when I learned that I was pregnant, I was only 14 years old, a kid myself, and I was beyond scared. Not just scared but I felt like a disappointment to my family.  When I gave birth to my son, I didn't know what I was in for, but I accepted the role of motherhood and was ready for any and everything that came along with that. Little did I know that my life was really about to change. I noticed that my son wasn't trying to sit up, or crawl, or hold his bottle according to the charts at the doctor's office but every time I asked if something was wrong the Dr. said it was nothing to worry about. Even at a young age I knew that everything was delayed when it came to his development. My son was almost three when he was diagnosed with autism. "Autism" what in the world was autism? I had never heard of that word ever, but I knew I would never forget it. Autism has been a part of my life for 26 years. My son is nonverbal so he gets frustrated sometimes when he can't make you understand what he wants or needs, and he has meltdowns. I have two daughters younger than him and protecting them and making sure he doesn't hurt them has always been a responsibility of mine because it's not his fault but it's not my girls' fault either. Being a parent of a kid with autism can put a strain on a family if you let it. Depression, anxiety, and so many other things can ease in and take over, but God doesn't make any mistakes. He gives these kids to people who he knows are strong enough to handle it. Sure, I've had days that I wanted to get in my vehicle and drive away and never return but my son makes me push even harder. I know my daughter's can go and live a life on their own but my son will never be able to do so. He'll always need somebody, he'll always need me, and I'm going to be here for him. Autism is hard but loving my son is easy. I started a nonprofit organization called Joining Jalen's Fight to be not only my son's voice but the voice of so many others. People need to be educated on autism because it's so common in our communities now and we need to be more receptive and compassionate to families that's dealing with it. Someone may be at their breaking point so instead of staring, ask if you can help. Give that parent a hug, because that hug may keep her or him from ending it all because it can happen. I am not a specialist by any means, but I eat, breathe, and sleep autism. I know what my purpose is and it's to speak up for my son who can't speak up for himself and I'm going to do just that until I can no longer speak.

 

Signed, A Mama Bear

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