What I Fear As An Autism Parent

As a mom to an autistic child, I can't help but wonder, "what happens to my kid when I'm gone?". Raising our son is complicated as it is. How much more complicated would things turn out if we weren't here anymore?

If you think about it a little more, it's every parent's fear, whether the kids are typical or have special needs. But I guess the fear is just too real for autism parents--because, for most of us, independence is something that our children may not fully achieve as they get older.

I fear for my son, imagining him crossing the street without anyone by his side, as his mind could sometimes wander somewhere else or get distracted and bothered by loud vehicle sounds. I fear that he may not be able to find a job or an employer that would take him in, even though he's different. I fear that he may not be able to fully take care of himself. Or even provide for his own needs because he's different. I fear that he may be alone in life and may not have a chance at having his own family just because he acts weird, and he's different. 

I know I sound dramatic and all, but this is me just being honest about what I really feel. This isn't even half of it. And I know, somewhere, someone out there could be thinking about the same things. They'll understand. And I hope you do, too.