As a parent of a teenager on the autism spectrum, I’ve navigated a unique journey that has led me to appreciate the distinct advantages of raising my daughter, Lily. Born during a time when autism rates were beginning to surge and understanding was limited, she is now a teenager, and I’ve learned to embrace the beauty in her differences. Here are some of the unexpected perks of having a teen with autism:
- No Pop Culture Pressure: After seventeen years, I can proudly say I’ve avoided boy band concerts. Lily has zero interest in mainstream pop culture. If she ever did, I’d be prepared with earplugs and heavy-duty headphones to make her feel comfortable in a noisy environment.
- Fashion Freedom: Fashion is a non-issue in our household. As long as her clothes are comfortable, she doesn’t care about trends. I’ve braved stores where the cologne is so thick it feels like swimming through a cloud, but Lily is indifferent to appearances, which is a relief for my senses—and hers.
- Clear Communication: There’s little guesswork in what Lily is thinking. She’s straightforward; if something is off, she’ll tell you. If you’re late or too loud, you’ll know it. She doesn’t do small talk, and even phrases like “beating around the bush” will prompt her to express her confusion.
- Curfew Simplicity: I remember my own teenage years spent negotiating curfews. With Lily, I know exactly where she is every weekend night. If she stays up late, it’s because someone forgot the melatonin, not because she’s out gallivanting.
- Lower Insurance Costs: Car insurance? Not a concern here. I sleep soundly knowing I won’t be waiting for her late-night return or worrying about her driving skills.
- Friendship with Mom: While there are certainly peers she enjoys spending time with, I still rank as a close second. I can relish the moments when she chooses to hang out with me, pretending I’m still “cool” until my other kids hit their teenage years and tell me otherwise.
- Affectionate Nature: We never went through the phase of “don’t touch me.” Lily is openly affectionate, offering hugs and holding hands, which I treasure.
- Less Teen Drama: Sure, we have our share of disruptions, but they usually revolve around schedules or transportation rather than interpersonal conflicts. The typical teenage drama—like rumors or gossip—is absent in our lives.
- Innocent Kindness: Lily has an innate kindness; she treats everyone equally, regardless of their status. There’s no malice in her heart—she won’t whisper about your bad hair day or engage in gossip behind your back.
- Honesty Above All: You will always know where you stand with her. She is refreshingly honest, which can be both a blessing and a challenge, but it’s something I value deeply.
For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out the Home Insemination Kit for helpful resources. If you’re looking for baby names inspired by Disney, Intracervical Insemination offers fantastic suggestions. Additionally, CCRM IVF provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, parenting an autistic teenager like Lily has been a journey filled with unique challenges and immense rewards. Her straightforwardness, lack of interest in drama, and genuine kindness have enriched my life in ways I never anticipated.