My 10 year old has Aspergers Syndrome. When I first got his diagnosis I had no idea what that was. Now I not only have become quite intimate with what Aspergers is, but I've also made the major discovery I'm an Aspie as well. I have learned to accept that not only is my son special needs, but in a lot of ways, so am I. Not that this gets me off the hook or anything, but it helps me to understand why I act and feel certain ways.

When Josh was much younger, I used to question God's wisdom in giving ME this very challenging child, "Lord, WHAT were you thinking??" I was sure that there was someone else out there who could handle him much better than I was. I finally came to the conclusion that God (as always) knew exactly what He was doing and chose this child specifically for me. This realization doesn't make him any less challenging. I still need all the supernatural wisdom and strength I can get! And God is absolutely faithful to provide it, when I remember to ask!

I once had the privilege to hear Steve Demme speak in person. He is the mastermind behind all the "Math U See" curriculum and has a son who has Down's Syndrome. He shared that there is a grieving process that we seem to go through in the acceptance of having a child with special needs. When children are born, we parents have all kinds of hopes and dreams for them. In realizing that they are special needs, we have to learn to let go of many of those hopes and dreams.

It is my opinion that God replaces those lost hopes and dreams with His own for these children. These are ones that we never could have even imagined! They are so much better! I know that God has a very special purpose for EACH of my children!