Mother's Day special

Today is celebrated as Mothers day, a very special day for all mothers all over the world. Everyone shows their love and gratitude to their and other mothers by posting photos, writing something nice about mothers as well as buying gifts. I would like to dedicate this post to the dedicated mother of an autistic child. This mother is very special to me as she's my little sister.

Recently, I got an opportunity to stay with her and got chance to observe the life of a mother whose child has special needs. Yes ...I correctly understood what are special needs of an autistic child. This was an eye opening visit to understand efforts she was taking to make everything needed for her son.

Children with autism experience the world differently from most people they often have difficulty expressing themselves sensory issues can affect how they smell hear or see things. 

Bringing up a child with autism is challenging for mothers especially when most of other people do not understand this issues. From waking up the child till the child is going to bed, the day is full of challenges.

Food allergies is biggest trouble these kids experience. Kids have many food allergies so they need a special food. There is vast band of allergies which differs from child to child. This poses a tiresome challenge to their mom's. My sister has to spend her most of the day in planning for and making food. She start her day by even grinding  gluten-free grain at home in mill. She grows organic vegetables in her backyard so that kid will get pesticide free vegetables and daily cook his food daily at home with care avoiding all spices he is allergic to. However, she ensure that he gets all the taste and variety of food.

Travelling with such kids is challenging too, as they have sensory issues towards loud noises or colors. Public transport is almost impossible, so one need to drive them everywhere. They may not sit quietly during journey or may not tie seat belts. Mother has to drive carefully by taking care of traffic as well the child on her back seat.

Sitting with them during speech therapy and all other therapy needs high amount of patience. Bringing their attention to the subject till stopping repetitive behavior.

Changing clothes due to spilled food and giving them shower goes on for whole day.

A goodnight rest isn't guaranteed for everyone  but it is more serious in autistic kids as they have  rapid eye movement problems as well as repetitive behaviour problems they tend to have insomnia. keeping room temperature cool and constant , using white noise devices and heavy quilts help them to go to sleep. Everyday mother needs to worry to maintain the sleeping schedule and room conditions. Her child demands full attention of a mother, her ticking clock makes it impossible to focus on the mundane activities like eating her food, maintaining hair, dressing up well while going.

After observing my little sister, I want to say her few words - Things are tough for you and may feel exhausted, rattled and even hopeless sometimes but you are a rock star. No one else knows how to calm your child down like you do. You are the master of paperwork, the queen of IPA's and the expert negotiator when it comes to advocating for your child. You work tirelessly while you take care of all the big stuff and duties but you also kiss your child, you play with puzzles and toys and learn about your child's favourite television show and books.

Finally remember your success today - you may not have found victory but don't feel defeated yet. Rejoice in all victories big and small , you have achieved with your child already. Remember that somewhere in the future you will find more triumph.You are a beautiful mother with gorgeous, magnificent and dazzling child who simply sees the world differently than anyone else.

Happy mother's day to you Rockstar mom. No one else deserves the compliments as you do !!!!