special needs parenting
Rosa was always left out of social events.
To Syd, Brody is Brody. She accepts him for who is he - her brother. And in a world where we really should just embrace differences and celebrate them, that's a beautiful thing. Because sadly this isn't always the case.
Not too long ago, intellectually disabled people were viewed as cacophonous chords that had no place in the musical score
Honestly, I say I wouldn't change Oliver for the world. It's something all parents say isn't it? Regardless of whether your child has additional needs or not. But I would change him. I'd change him in a heartbeat. Does that make me a bad mum? Does it make me selfish? Quite possibly. Most definitely.
This time, there would be no follow up until preschool. There would be no referrals made. There would be no appointments to health professionals that I hadn't heard of. And there would be no confusing abbreviations thrown my way, which of course later would become part of my everyday vocabulary.
I can honestly say that I've lost count of the number of times I have changed my son Brody's nappy in our car boot. Trying to shield him from passers-by, some of whom almost tut at the fact that I'm doing it. Like I want to be doing it.
Although, I wish so much Brody that we could have walked that path to your local school together, I know that your new school will take great care of you. I know that you'll meet lots of other boys and girls just as special as you are. And I know that you will continue to develop and amaze us - taking everything at your own pace, surrounded by love from people who care.
The weeks have been filled with trying to cram in as much paid work as possible, organising personal assistants, booking holidays and filling The Glory's expectant cardboard box with university essentials.
Unfortunately, parents also have to battle and beg local services for help and equipment and, although personally to date, we've been very fortunate with our local services, I am well aware from friends and social media how the services you receive are somewhat a postcode lottery.
That's not easy to come to terms with. I love Brody with all my heart and I know that everything happens for a reason. But sometimes I wish I knew what that reason was. No diagnosis means no prognosis after all. Still, having others to talk to who can relate really helps. It can make you feel less isolated in a world of unknowns.