Dear autism dads,

I see you…

I see you helping your son learn a new word in speech therapy. ..

I see you at 3am laying with him until he falls back asleep..

I see you attending the IEP meetings and listening intently as they talk about strengths and goals…

I see you leaving work early when you get the call from school that he is having a hard day…

I see you working double shifts to pay for extra therapies that insurance doesn’t pay for …

I see you helping your son in the bathroom because he still needs assistance with daily living skills. ..

I see you helping your son swing the bat during his Miracle League game and then proudly run next to him to first base..

I see you holding your son as he has a meltdown and you try to comfort him and keep him safe …

I see you hugging your spouse or partner and whispering in their ear that everything is going to be ok…

I also see you hurting…

I see you holding back the tears on the hard days…

I see you feeling alone…

Quiet …

I see you wondering…

Not really knowing if any other dad can relate to you…

I see you feeling defeated…

Worried…

Scared…

Invisible …

But you know what I REALLY see???

YOU.

An amazing dad who is there for his child through EVERYTHING. ..

The good,

the bad,

the ugly ..

and everything in between!

I see a dad who NEVER gives up.

A dad who is in the trenches and fighting the good fight with us…

A dad who would do absolutely anything to provide for his family and make sure his child has everything they need to succeed in life.

I see a dad who is Strong..

Encouraging …

Uplifting..

Brave …

THANK YOU for being an active part of your child’s life. ..

For setting examples of how to be a good man…

A good dad…

Thank you for all that you do day in and day out…

It does not go unnoticed. ..

And You are NOT invisible …

You are DADDY …

And that means everything in his eyes!

I am so incredibly proud of you. .

Your son is proud of you. ..

And you should be too.

Love,

An autism mom who sees YOU