I have two sons who are on the Autism Spectrum. As their mother it is my job to remind them & myself that together we can get through anything. Autism is a lifelong diagnosis & for us as well as many other families, a daily struggle. We work tirelessly to make sure our children get the proper treatment and care they need and deserve every day. Parenting in itself is hard but when you add any special need to the mix, the weight gets heavier & the days get longer. The smallest victories to others are the biggest triumphs to us. When I wear my Together ZOX, I am reminded that I wouldn't be able to help them the way they need if it wasn't for the team we have and that my boys wouldn't get the help that they need if it wasn't for my voice and my will. When people stop me in the store and ask me about my strap, I tell them why I wear it, who it's for and what it does for me. It's another way to bring awareness to a subject that a lot of people still do not like to discuss because it can, indeed, get political very quickly. The phrase "It takes a village" is true when any children are involved but it does indeed take a village to raise a child with Autism. We learn from each other, we help each other navigate the difficult areas so that each child is remembered and not forgotten. Together, we can make a difference. 1 in 59 children are now diagnosed with some form of Autism. It's time for us to stand together and help them and their families.
