You can do this!
Ephesians 2:10
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand [for us], that we should walk in them." NKJV - brackets added from AMP.2 Timothy 3:17
"That the man of God may be complete and proficient and thoroughly equipped for every good work." AMP
To parents, caregivers, and teachers of every child with special needs. ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Visual Tracking Disorder, Audio Processing Disorder, Mobility and Sensory challenges:
I see you. You are not alone. The tears. The fears. Scrounging for resources and help. The IEP meetings and articles. Doctor appointments and doubts. We have been there too.
Remember you are equipped for this.
You are stronger than you know. The challenges you face may feel overwhelming at times, but they are not insurmountable. While many of the issues you’re facing might have been dismissed as "behavioral" in the past, today we KNOW better! You are part of a growing awareness that this journey, though tough, is a path toward understanding and support.
Yes, the resources are scarce. Yes, there are times of frustration, when it seems like the answers are just out of reach. But I promise you: You and your child will get there. One step at a time. You will.
You were chosen for this child—with all their uniqueness, all their potential. And if you’ve been chosen, you’ve been equipped. There will be hard days, no doubt—days when it feels like the weight of it all is too much. But remember, you are tough, and you are capable. You can do this. After all:
Who else knows your child like you?
Who else sees them - their strengths, needs, and struggles better than you?
Who else can advocate with the passion and commitment that you have?
This journey you are on is a lot to ask. It may mean pushing for extra support IEP meetings and going above and beyond at home.
It may mean making difficult decisions. You will have to decide what is best in so many different ways. You may need to consider pulling them out of public school. You may need to decide to keep them IN public school. You may need to reach out to parents in similar situations - who understand as only we can…. It may mean creating or modifying activities or assignments. It may mean buying or borrowing books on a ton of different topics.
But above all, it means continuing to encourage both your child and yourself.
Even on the tough days, know that what you are doing matters. You are laying the foundation for your child's success, growth, and happiness. And you are doing it with love, with strength, and with perseverance.
You were chosen for this challenge, because you can rise to meet it. And you will.
Image credit: Planet Volumes for Upsplash+. June 2023
