Unapologetically Embracing Autism: I Can't Relate: Finding Peace in Your Child's Unique Journey

Can we talk about that feeling? You know the one – when you're scrolling through social media or sitting in a support group, and another mom shares their child's latest milestone. Your heart swells with happiness for them, but there's also that tiny pinch inside that whispers, "I can't relate." I've been there, and I know so many of you have too.

My journey with my son Cortland has taught me so much about accepting and embracing the unique timeline that comes with autism. Those moments when other parents would share their joy about first words, completed potty training, or successful school transitions – while beautiful celebrations for them – sometimes left me feeling isolated in our own path.

But here's the thing I want every autism mama to know deep in their heart: your child's journey is perfectly, beautifully their own. Through my experiences with Cortland, I've learned that placing my faith in God and trusting in His timing has brought me so much peace. Each milestone comes when it's meant to, like pieces of a puzzle slowly coming together to create a masterpiece that's uniquely your child's.

Remember the last time you felt that twinge of "I can't relate"? Maybe it was yesterday, or maybe it's right now. I want you to know that feeling doesn't make you a bad person or a bad parent. It makes you human. We all have these moments, and they're valid. But they don't define our journey or our children's worth.

What I've learned through raising Cortland is that every single step forward, no matter how small it might seem to others, is worth celebrating. Those moments that might not make it to social media – the first time your child looked at you a second longer than usual, or when they found a new way to communicate their needs – these are your child's victories, and they're just as meaningful as any other milestone.

When I placed my trust in God's timing, something beautiful happened. I started seeing Cortland's progress through a different lens. Instead of comparing his timeline to others, I began to appreciate each step of his unique journey. And you know what? Those milestones did come. Maybe not when society expected them, but exactly when they were meant to.

To every mama reading this who's ever thought "I can't relate" – I see you. I understand you. And I want you to know that you're part of this beautiful, strong community of autism parents who are all walking their own unique paths. Some of us are celebrating first words at age three, others at age seven, and some are discovering beautiful alternative ways of communication. Every path is valid, every journey is worthy.

You know what's amazing about our autism community? We have the ability to genuinely celebrate each other's victories while still honoring our own journey. We can say "I'm so happy for you" to another parent while also acknowledging our own feelings. That's not just okay – it's beautiful.

So the next time you feel that "I can't relate" moment creeping in, remember this:

Your child is right where they need to be.

Your feelings are valid.

Your journey matters.

And most importantly – you are not alone.

Keep celebrating those victories, big and small. Keep trusting in your journey. Keep holding onto hope. And remember that somewhere out there, another mama is reading this, feeling exactly what you're feeling, and we're all in this together.

With faith, hope, and understanding,

A mama who knows exactly how you feel🩵