Recently, someone asked me if I hoped my son would be tolerated as he got older. No, I wouldn’t wish that for anyone. Who wants to be tolerated? My wish for him is the same as it is for any child. To grow up happy, loved, accepted and appreciated.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/i-am-not-a-scientist-but-i-am-a-mother-%e2%80%94-i-know-why-my-son-has-autism/ar-AA94oIg

the last line of the article sums it up nicely. it’s an ongoing journey and as my own son enters full-on puberty, there’s the added complexity of hormone’s and even more societal expectations. And it is exhausting, no matter how diligent, or how much you love your child; and so you find solace in the moments such as the kindness of child who thinks your child’s quirks are just that, quirks. Or the person in the parking lot who doesn’t honk their horn as they wait and wait for your spot as you struggle with your child and getting their backpack in at just the right angle or when said child lays their head on your shoulder at the end of the day and says “love you” before scampering off with the dog towards their room.

Yup, he’s exactly the way he’s supposed to be.