4 Essential Lessons I Learned From Raising My Son With Autism - A Journey of Love and Growth

Being a parent is a beautiful journey, filled with countless joys, challenges, and lessons. But when your child has autism, that journey takes a unique path, teaching you profound insights that forever change your perspective on life. As a mother of a child with autism, I have discovered invaluable lessons that have not only transformed my approach to parenting but have also shaped me into a more compassionate and understanding individual.

Lesson 1: Patience - The Key to Unlocking Inner Strength

Every parent knows the importance of patience, but raising a child with autism takes it to a whole new level. Daily routines, communication, and social interactions can be extremely challenging for children on the spectrum. As a result, their behavior may seem difficult to comprehend or manage for someone on the outside looking in. It is in these moments that patience becomes the ultimate virtue.

Don't Squeeze the Spaceman's Taco: Lessons Learned from My Son with Autism

by Kelly Jude Melerine (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	901 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Through my son's journey, I have learned to embrace patience as a necessary tool for inner growth. I have discovered the power of remaining calm in the face of adversity. Patience has not only allowed me to better understand my son's needs but has also made me more resilient, adaptable, and compassionate in all aspects of life.

Lesson 2: Celebrating Differences - Embracing the Spectrum of Humanity

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it spans a broad range of abilities and challenges. Each individual on the spectrum is unique, possessing their own strengths, talents, and perspectives. Understanding and celebrating these differences is essential to creating an inclusive and accepting society.

Through my son's autism journey, I have come to appreciate the beauty of diversity in all its forms. I have learned to see the world through his eyes, appreciating the little things that may go unnoticed by many. By embracing these differences, we foster a more inclusive society that values every individual, regardless of their abilities or neurodevelopmental conditions.

Lesson 3: Unconditional Love - Building Bridges Through Empathy

Love knows no boundaries or limitations. It is the driving force behind any meaningful connection we have with others. Raising a child with autism has taught me the true essence of unconditional love, as it requires us to go beyond our own expectations and understanding.

Through my son's journey, I have experienced the immense power of empathy. The ability to truly put yourself in someone else's shoes, to understand their struggles and frustrations, is a transformative experience. It is through empathy that we can bridge the gap between different worlds, fostering connection, understanding, and love.

Lesson 4: Embracing Growth - Finding Strengths in Vulnerability

The journey of raising a child with autism brings with it moments of vulnerability, uncertainty, and self-reflection. It is in these moments that we find our greatest strengths. Acknowledging and embracing our vulnerabilities allows us to grow into stronger, more resilient individuals.

My son's autism journey has taught me to appreciate the silver linings in life, even in the face of adversity. It has shown me that growth emerges from vulnerability and that true strength lies in our ability to embrace our own imperfections.

Parenting a child with autism is a remarkable journey filled with countless lessons. It teaches us patience, celebrates diversity, strengthens our capacity for love and empathy, and encourages personal growth. These lessons, learned from my son with autism, have profoundly shaped me as a parent and as an individual. They have instilled within me a sense of gratitude, compassion, and resilience that continues to guide me not only on this journey but in all aspects of life.

Don't Squeeze the Spaceman's Taco: Lessons Learned from My Son with Autism

by Kelly Jude Melerine (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	901 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

“He’ll grow out of it,” our friends assured us regarding our son. “It’s just a phase.”

But autism isn’t a phase. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism is a developmental disability that affects 1 in 44 individuals today.

“She’s not getting better because she doesn’t want go get better,” my father insisted regarding my mother’s battles with mental illness.

But mental illness isn’t a choice. According to the south, there’s a 50/50 chance of an individual losing their mind. It’s been said that in the southern United States there’s no question of if a person has crazy in the family. It’s which side of the family the crazy is on. My entire life has been filled with emotional turmoil, financial distress and utter chaos. However, then and now, nothing has been more heart-rending than watching a loved one’s declining mental health. We’ve all been there. Like a deep-rooted tree gripping tightly to the earth, we’re just one strong gust away from snapping.

Don’t Squeeze the Spaceman’s Taco – Lessons Learned from My Son with Autism is a journey into the lives of a family affected by autism and mental illness. It’s about embracing our unique differences, finding joy in the simplest of life’s pleasures and doing whatever it takes to keep our sanity.

My name is Kelly Jude Melerine and I’m the founder of a non-profit organization devoted to promoting inclusion of individuals with disabilities. My memoir takes place over a period of time when I quit my banking job to be a stay-at-home dad. My son’s early teenage years were plagued in episodes of extreme violence. Contrary to doctors’ orders, I believed that his medication was the root of the problem. Convinced that a parent could make a difference, I knew that my time was limited. “I have one year to get this right,” I told myself. That’s about all the time the funds I had saved for retirement would allow. I had one year to determine if my son would to be institutionalized as his doctors recommended or stay at home and be surrounded by the people that loved him most.

Don’t Squeeze the Spaceman’s Taco – Lessons Learned from My Son with Autism is a story of how late night talks with my mentally ill mother saved my family where top medical professionals failed. It’s a story meant to inspire the 1 in 44 individuals living on the spectrum today and the caregivers that never give up.