10/04/2026
April is Autism Awareness Month, and I want to share a small piece of our world.
Some of you may know I’m a parent to a 5-year-old who is AuDHD with a PDA profile. Life for us has changed in ways I never imagined. The struggles can be overwhelming.
One of the hardest parts isn’t even what happens at home — it’s being out in public. The looks, the comments, the judgement.
Recently, while we were out, another parent pulled my son aside and told him to stop what he was doing, saying that might be how he’s parented, but it’s not how they do things.
What they didn’t see was how big that moment was for him.
For the first time in a while, he felt safe enough, brave enough, to be excited around other children… to try and connect.
And in an instant, that moment was taken away.
It didn’t just ruin our day — it stayed with me long after.
I’ll be honest — I don’t always have the strength to respond. I’m burnt out. Social interactions can feel impossible some days. Sometimes I just go home and cry.
Autism , can be invisible. You might look at my child and think he’s “fine” or “just naughty” or “lacking boundaries.” But what you don’t see is the internal battle he’s fighting every single second.
So please — before you judge, before you comment — just pause.
If you’re unsure, ask the parent. Be curious, not critical. Take a moment to educate yourself.
A little understanding can make a world of difference — not just for my child, but for families like ours trying our best every single day. 🌻Did you know the sunflower represents invisible disabilities 🌻