Navigating the Road Ahead: The Evolving Concerns of a Mother for her High-Functioning Autistic Child
Greetings, my dear friends. It’s Amit, and I’m here to share more about my incredible son Saar and our journey with autism. Today, I want to talk about a subject close to my heart – the evolving concerns of a mother for her high-functioning autistic child as they transition into adulthood.
In previous posts, I’ve discussed how we’ve created a haven for Saar at home, where his sensory sensitivities are considered, and his routine is respected. We’ve tried to “create an environment that caters to his unique needs”​1​. However, my concerns for him shift and expand as Saar grows older.
Social interactions have always been a struggle for Saar. Even though he’s high-functioning, the subtleties of social etiquette, reading emotions, or deciphering sarcasm can be challenging. I’ve previously shared our experiences in “Helping Saar Navigate Social Situations,” but as Saar matures, these interactions grow more complex, and my concerns for his social well-being increase.
Saar’s sensory sensitivities, a topic we’ve touched upon when discussing the adjustments we’ve made to our home environment, are another area of concern. The world can be a loud, bright, and chaotic place for Saar, and I often wonder how he will manage in an environment that isn’t designed with his unique sensitivities in mind. I quote, “What might seem like a gentle hum to us can sound like a roar to them”​1​.
Then there is the question of independence. Saar is eager to be more independent, as I’ve shared in our journey of “Inclusion in Decisions”​1​, and I want nothing more than to see him thrive on his own. But the unpredictability of the world contrasts sharply with Saar’s preference for routine and predictability. Can he navigate the unexpected without falling apart?
These concerns can sometimes feel overwhelming. But as I’ve shared before, this journey with Saar has taught us to be more patient, more understanding, and more appreciative of the little things in life​1​. His resilience gives me hope and his unconditional love fills me with pride. His struggles and victories aren’t just shaping him into an extraordinary individual, and they’re shaping us as a family.
To quote from a previous post, “We’ve learned that our job is not to change Saar but to support and provide him with an environment where he can thrive just as he is”​1​. And that sentiment holds as we look towards the future.
Thank you for walking this journey with us and for your understanding, acceptance, and support. In sharing our story, we hope to shed light on life on the autism spectrum and perhaps provide solace to someone out there who might be going through a similar journey. Let’s continue learning, growing, and celebrating the beauty in our unique paths. Until next time.
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