The Label: A Tool, Not a Definition

At first, the word "Autism" was overwhelming. I feared that it would define my sons in ways that weren’t fair or accurate—that people would see the label first and forget to look at the amazing individuals beneath it. I worried about the pressure that came with that label: Would others see my sons as less capable, less worthy, or somehow incomplete?

But as I've navigated this journey, I’ve come to understand something crucial: labels, when used properly, are tools for understanding—not for limiting.

Every day, we label things—smoker, non-smoker, athlete, creative, introvert, extrovert. These labels help us make sense of the world, but they don’t capture the fullness of who someone is. Autism, too, is simply a label, a way to help others understand my sons’ experience in the world. It’s a part of their story, but it’s not all of it.

What’s most important to me, though, is that they never feel pressure to be anything other than exactly who they are. Autism is part of who they are, but it doesn’t have to mean they are any less capable of living a full, rich life. My sons are incredible individuals with their own strengths, challenges, quirks, and dreams. I want them to grow up knowing that they are loved and valued for exactly who they are—not for what society expects or the label that might follow them.

Understanding the Struggles Without Defining Them

I want to be clear: I am not making light of the struggles they face. I know that there will be challenges—many of them. There will be moments of frustration, isolation, and pain. They will encounter situations where the world doesn’t fully understand them, and they may have to fight harder to be seen, heard, and accepted.

But that doesn’t mean I will ever stop advocating for them to be their authentic selves. I never want them to feel that they must be anything other than who they are, because they are more than enough. Their worth is not tied to societal expectations or the limitations others may place on them. It is tied to their kindness, their creativity, their resilience, and their humanity.

I want them to know that, regardless of the struggles they face, they will never be judged solely by the diagnosis. It’s just one part of their journey. The rest of their lives will be shaped by their passions, their relationships, their achievements, and the unique ways they contribute to the world.

A Future of Possibility

As I look ahead, I see a future full of potential for my sons. They may not follow the same paths as others, but they will forge their own, filled with experiences and opportunities that are right for them. And that’s all I can hope for—a future where they are free to be themselves, without pressure to conform to anyone’s expectations.

Autism is a part of who they are, but it’s not the only thing that defines them. Their worth is immeasurable, and their future is bright. They have so much to offer the world, and I can’t wait to see where their unique journeys take them.