Why

There are so many times that I have wanted to write about our successes and set-backs in raising a child with autism, but I didn't want our family blog to seem to be all about Darin. I didn't want stories of our struggles surrounded by stories of our kids playing minature golf and helping bake cookies. I've wanted a place to write about Darin and now with a little encouragement, I've started one.

I wanted just the right title. I tried to make it cute with alliteration, but I didn't want to make light of the situation. I also didn't want it to be too serious or clinical. This blog isn't about talking about the broad strokes of autism or the politics or medicine of autism. This blog is about my son.

You can read all of the books and studies about autism. Sometimes they just don't help. My child is unique, just like every child is unique. Maybe something I write here will help someone I know understand how I raise my child. Maybe something I write here will give someone else an idea of how to help their child, autistic or not. Maybe something I write here will touch someone who needs it.

About a year ago, I had a personal revelation regarding being a parent to an autistic child and about being a parent in general. I wrote about it in my blog and soon thereafter, I had people calling me or writing to me about how they hoped they had never treated me in such a fashion. I don't write in my blog to call people to repentance. I write in my blog for a personal release of emotion. I'm not here to lecture. I'm not a perfect person and I never will be, so I'll never writing to lecture.

So, unlike things named "Sewing Made Simple" or "Cooking Made Easy", this is Autism Made Real. A blog about a real little boy and the lessons learned by this imperfect mother as she tries to be the person he needs.