Support Through a Simple Text

The other morning, as I did my daily social media sweep, I noticed a message from a friend - an autism mom - who had seen my boys the night before while they were out to dinner with their grandparents. We’ve connected in the past over our shared understanding of raising a child on the spectrum, but her message that morning moved me to tears.

In a heartfelt text, she shared that she had been their waitress and was so impressed with how Dawson handled the over-stimulating environment. She noticed how respectfully he ordered his meal and how calmly he responded throughout the evening. She wrote that she knows, as I do, how the little moments are truly the big moments for moms like us - moms who have to teach our neurodivergent children how to self-regulate and socialize in environments that can easily overwhelm them.

As I reread her message, I felt an overwhelming awareness of the subtle art of support - the quiet, powerful understanding that parents of neurodivergent children offer one another. We understand that no celebration is too small, that every acknowledgment of our children’s growth is also a recognition of the hard work, patience, and perseverance it took to get there - and to stay there.

I thought back to other heartwarming moments that moms have chosen to share with me, knowing all too well the power of these gestures.

There was the mom who texted me right after it was announced that Dawson had been voted onto the student council - just to make sure I could finally relax my anxious heart and celebrate. She knew firsthand that deep, uneasy anticipation we feel as parents, holding our breath while we wait to see how things turn out for our kids. Dawson had set his heart on student council, and her message allowed me to exhale the breath I’d been holding all day.

That same mom often shares smaller moments too - times she sees Dawson walking respectfully down the hall, using his manners, or telling a funny story. She knows these everyday moments represent big steps in his personal growth.

Then there was another mom who messaged me after hearing Dawson read the morning announcements to the entire school. She even sent me a recording so I could experience it myself. She knew how much courage and confidence that moment required - and how many years of support and encouragement led up to it.

And the mom who drives the boys home every day - she shares the simple but powerful moments she sees when I’m not there: times when Dawson shows kindness, confidence, and respect without prompting. She understands firsthand how meaningful those glimpses are to a parent who knows the effort behind them.

I am so incredibly blessed with people in my life who regularly celebrate and honor the person Dawson is, and the journey he’s on. Some of these moms understand the significance of these comments because they live it themselves, and others simply recognize the determination and heart it takes for Dawson to keep growing and achieving new heights.

Every message, every word of support, and every shared moment fills my momma heart a little more. Because ultimately, that’s what we’re all working toward -

to raise children who can be their best selves, even when we’re not there to guide them.