By Erica Taylor
Many moons ago, as I sat down to create a wish list for my
son, I found myself thinking not just of him, but of every parent who has a
child on the spectrum—parents who may hold the same hopes and dreams for their
children. I made this list with immense love, imagining the day I could share
it with him, so he could carry it within him forever—and perhaps even pass it
down to others.
In writing this, I realized that parents of children on the
autism spectrum—or those with additional special needs—carry a unique kind of
love. It is fierce, protective, patient, and endlessly hopeful. We don’t just
navigate the world with our children; we reshape it, advocate within it,
and soften its edges so they can experience more comfort, joy, and possibility.
Behind every therapy session, every school meeting, every
late-night Google search, every book or article read, and every moment of
celebration or worry lies the same deep-rooted desire:
That our children feel loved, understood, supported, and free to thrive in a
world that wasn’t built with their differences in mind.
Here are 35 things I have wished for my son—hoping that they resonate with you for your child or inspire you to create your own list of hopes and dreams.
To be loved without conditions – To know that love
for him is unwavering, not dependent on achievements, behavior, or conformity.
That no matter what, he is always deserving of love.
To be accepted for who he is – To feel that his
unique way of seeing the world is not just tolerated but celebrated as a vital
part of who he is.
To be surrounded by people who understand him or are
willing to try – To have friends, mentors, and loved ones who make the
effort to see him, listen, and appreciate his perspective.
To be respected for his individuality – To have his
preferences, ideas, and personal style honored, and to feel valued for the
person he truly is.
To be supported and uplifted, not isolated – To
always have encouragement, guidance, and connection, rather than feeling left
alone to face challenges.
To shine in his strengths so they can help him overcome
his weaknesses – To use his natural talents and interests as a bridge to
growth, confidence, and overcoming obstacles.
To self-advocate with confidence and intention – To
learn to speak up for his needs, make decisions that serve him, and approach
the world with agency and clarity.
To overcome challenges and keep moving toward his goals
– To develop resilience, persevere through setbacks, and keep striving for what
matters most to him.
To manage his emotions to help him cope in situations or
environments that may be overwhelming – To have strategies and tools to
navigate stress, sensory overload, or frustration with grace and
self-awareness.
To find opportunities to keep learning – To explore
knowledge, experiences, and skills that fuel curiosity, growth, and lifelong
learning.
To build genuine friendships – To connect with people
who accept, support, and enjoy him for who he is, fostering relationships
rooted in trust and mutual care.
To be and live independently – To develop the
confidence, skills, and support network to live a fulfilling life on his own
terms.
To keep practicing his skills to help him succeed in all
areas of life – To understand that practice leads to mastery and personal
growth, and to keep improving without fear of failure.
To find a job he loves in his career of choice – To
pursue meaningful work that aligns with his passions, strengths, and sense of
purpose.
To understand how to keep himself safe—not just in
places, but around people too – To cultivate awareness, judgment, and
self-protection skills that help him navigate the world confidently.
To express his needs, wants, and boundaries without
apologizing – To feel empowered to communicate clearly and assertively,
knowing that his voice matters.
To walk confidently in his shoes, knowing what he is
capable of achieving – To embrace his unique abilities and strengths with
pride, without doubt or hesitation.
To ask for help when he needs it and not feel ashamed
– To recognize that seeking support is a strength and a vital part of growth,
not a sign of weakness.
To support the people he loves and cares for – To
cultivate empathy, kindness, and generosity, building meaningful relationships
and nurturing those he treasures.
To be included – To participate fully in family,
school, community, and social experiences, knowing he belongs and is valued.
To access the resources available to him – To have
the tools, programs, therapies, and guidance he needs to reach his full
potential.
To keep bowling, since he loves it and is talented –
To continue engaging in activities that bring joy, build confidence, and foster
connection.
To find and join other activities he may love – To
explore hobbies, sports, or interests that inspire excitement, growth, and
fulfillment.
To make time for the people he loves, remembering that
connection is reciprocal – To nurture relationships, invest in others, and
experience the joy of mutual care and love.
To stand up for what he believes in – To approach
life with integrity, courage, and conviction, advocating for his values and
principles.
To respect other opinions, even if he doesn’t agree –
To practice empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness, fostering healthy
dialogue and relationships.
To educate others – To share his perspective,
experiences, and knowledge in ways that promote understanding, acceptance, and
inclusion.
To travel to places he wants to see and experience
different cultures – To explore the world, broaden his perspective, and
embrace diversity in people, places, and experiences.
To find a way to create peace in his life – To
discover strategies, routines, or environments that bring calm, balance, and
emotional well-being.
To celebrate everything he achieves, and celebrate others
too – To recognize and honor accomplishments, both big and small, while
uplifting those around him.
To live a fulfilling life, one that makes him happy –
To prioritize personal joy, meaning, and satisfaction in every aspect of life.
To save for a rainy day – To develop financial
awareness and independence, preparing wisely for unexpected challenges.
To believe in himself as much as I always have – To
cultivate self-confidence, trust in his abilities, and courage to pursue his
dreams.
To not be afraid to take a different path than others
– To embrace individuality, pursue unconventional choices, and define success
on his own terms.
To invest his energy in what truly matters – To focus on what brings purpose, joy, and fulfillment, letting go of distractions, negativity, or pressure to conform.
What are some wishes you have for your child? We'd love to hear! Comment below
To read about our journey - click to order👉My Little Birdie to a Diagnosis
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