We rarely talk about our temperament as mothers, but we are not perfect human beings. Unfortunately, many of us give the illusion that we can handle it all. As a mother of a person on the spectrum, I can certainly say I have not always been, well, perfect! No mother receives a blueprint on how to raise a child. That is even more so when you are blessed with a child with unique abilities.

What is important is that you constantly pour into yourself to the extent you are able, so that you can give your best self to your child. On the airplane you are always told to put on your mask first. I think about this often when I am depleted. The goal is just to not give up. There is nothing more simple than that. As mothers we are given what we need, even though we don't always know why. If you need help, lean on a friend. I have many who keep me surrounded in love. It's OK to be human.