Navigating Autism and ADHD is already a deeply emotional and challenging journey for families—one that doesn’t need to be complicated further by outside opinions. And yet, those opinions often come loud, unsolicited, and laced with misunderstanding.
So how should families deal with them?
The answer starts with staying grounded in your love for your child—and your belief in their potential.
Love Is the Reason, Not the Problem
When I started walking this path with my son, there were moments I felt completely alone. Even some therapists dismissed my efforts, telling me, “I’ve done this for years and I’ve never seen a child improve.” That kind of statement can be crushing.
Other times I was told, “You just need to accept your child the way he is.”
But what these people didn’t understand is that I *did* accept my son. I loved him fiercely. And **because** of that love, I was willing to give everything in me to help him live the fullest, happiest life possible.
A Mother’s Intuition Is Powerful
Mothers of children with Autism know their child in a way no one else does. I could tell from the smallest facial expression or breath how my son was feeling. When he saw other kids playing, I could see it in his eyes—he wanted to join them. He just didn’t know how.
After a year of biomedical treatment, when he became more aware, that desire grew. But social interactions were still hard. He’d go right up into other kids’ faces, trying to smile and connect, and they’d back away—not understanding him.
It broke my heart.
But it also showed me what he needed. He wanted connection. He wanted to belong. My job was to help him build the tools and confidence to get there.
School Integration: A Turning Point
After attending an Autism school for two years, my son transitioned into a regular kindergarten. I sent an aide with him the first week because I wasn’t sure how he’d manage without the calming tools available in his previous school.
But his teacher quickly noticed something: my son wanted to fit in. He looked around and realized no other child had an aide. He felt different—and he didn’t want to be.
That awareness was huge. It told me he was ready for more independence. And it reminded me how important it was to listen to him, not just the professionals.
Tune Out the Negativity, Tune In to Hope
There will always be people—professionals, parents, or strangers—who say things that feel unsupportive, judgmental, or just plain wrong.
So here’s what I did:
- I stopped listening to negative voices.
- I surrounded myself with hopeful stories—stories of progress, recovery, and breakthroughs.
- I connected with families who shared my drive and passion for helping their children.
- I kept my mental energy focused on what was working—not what others doubted.
“Just stay your course. Do what’s best for your child. Surround yourself with support. And don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for trying.”
You’re not wrong for believing in your child’s potential. You’re not wrong for seeking more.
You’re a parent. And that’s your superpower.
Final Thoughts
If you’re raising a child with Autism or ADHD, you’re going to face outside opinions—some helpful, many not. The key is to **filter those voices through the lens of your own truth, your child’s progress, and your family’s goals.**
Stay hopeful. Stay focused. And know that the ADHD Autism Clinic is here to walk that journey with you.