As I sit down to write this, I can't help but feel the weight of a topic that's been weighing heavily on my mind lately: the constant struggle to find adequate support and resources for my incredible child on the autism spectrum. You see, I'm not just any dad. I'm a single dad, navigating the twists and turns of raising a child with unique needs all on my own. And let me tell you, it's one heck of a journey.

From the moment my child was diagnosed with autism, my world turned upside down. Suddenly, I found myself thrust into a world of therapies, interventions, and specialists, each promising a piece of the puzzle but often leaving me feeling more confused and overwhelmed than ever before. And as a single parent, the weight of responsibility felt doubly heavy on my shoulders.

One of my biggest concerns, perhaps the biggest of them all, is the daunting task of finding the support and resources my child needs to thrive. It's a constant battle, a never-ending maze of phone calls, appointments, and paperwork, all while trying to juggle work, household chores, and the everyday demands of parenting.

Therapies. Oh, how I've become intimately acquainted with that word. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy—the list goes on and on. Each therapy holds the promise of unlocking my child's potential, of helping them navigate a world that often feels too overwhelming to bear. But accessing these therapies is no easy feat, especially when you're a single parent trying to make ends meet.

Financial strain is a constant companion on this journey. The cost of therapies, medications, and specialized equipment adds up quickly, leaving me wondering how I'll ever manage to provide everything my child needs on my own. And let's not even get started on the insurance battles, the endless phone calls and appeals just to get a fraction of the coverage we so desperately need.

But it's not just about the financial burden. It's also about the sheer exhaustion of it all. The endless appointments, the never-ending paperwork, the constant advocacy required to ensure my child receives the support they deserve—it's enough to wear even the strongest of parents down.

And then there's the emotional toll. The loneliness of not having a partner to share the load, to lean on when times get tough. The fear of judgment from others who don't understand the challenges we face. The guilt that creeps in when I inevitably fall short, when I can't be everything my child needs me to be.

But through it all, there's one thing that keeps me going: the unwavering love I have for my child. They are my reason for getting up in the morning, for pushing through the exhaustion and the overwhelm, for fighting tooth and nail to ensure they have everything they need to thrive.

So, to my fellow single parents raising children on the autism spectrum, I see you. I feel your struggles, your worries, your fears. But I also see your strength, your resilience, your unwavering dedication to your child's well-being. And together, we'll navigate this maze, supporting each other every step of the way.

Because no matter how challenging the journey may be, the love we have for our children will always light the way.

With love and solidarity, 

Led B