When I think about raising my son Grayson on the Autism Spectrum, I think of all the people who helped me navigate the singular most challenging, rewarding, and meaningful life task. It may seem odd to call raising Grayson a task, but raising all children sometimes feels like the most overwhelming task you can take on. Nothing else compares.

I want to thank the nurses, doctors, and additional hospital staff at Christiana Care who kept our son alive on his first night in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit when his potassium level was life-threatening; likewise, when our son had a bronchial spasm and when Grayson was exposed to a deadly virus, the medical staff at Christiana Care saved our son’s life.

I want to thank the friends and family who supported my choices for Grayson and the kind words offered to me when I felt like a failure. The positive reminders my female friends gave to me when I needed them most. My mental health counselors lifted me by making me feel heard at my lowest point. The essential words always with me are, “Look for progress, not perfection.”

I want to thank the teachers and therapists who gave Grayson all their knowledge and experience to provide him with the confidence to make significant strides. These people love working with children, and their patience level is fantastic.

To thank everyone is impossible, but I wish all could know my gratitude. Each person made a difference in Grayson’s life that will remain with him now and forever.

Who made a difference in your child’s life? By sharing, you are giving another parent important knowledge.

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