Thoughts From a Single Parent of a Great Kid
My experience with single parenting a child with special needs child has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
My now almost eight year old son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD at four years old. I remember noticing something
that I couldn't quite put my finger on during his second year. It wasn't until I was in school to become a Registered Nurse
that that "something" turned into a gut feeling that my child was very likely on the Autism Spectrum. I requested a referral
to see a Developmental Pediatrician and the road to Treatment and /Intervention began.
Juggling both of our busy work and school schedules has been one of the challenges I've faced. It has gotten easier over the
years, but I would certainly not be where I am today (successful career as an RN, looking forward to Graduate School) without
the love and support of friends and family.
“Meltdowns” have been another, often difficult, challenge to handle as a single parent to come up. I can recall many times
when I longed for someone to take over, giving me a break durning particularly rough times. Sometimes I would daydream about
what a “two- parent” household would be like.
I realize today, that even though I feel like I've made some mistakes over the years, I chose to rise to the occasion and
have been an advocate for my son. Being an advocate is not a job that requires a partner, it requires passion. This great,
yet very challenging experience has taught me so much about myself and my capabilities.
I've been blessed with an opportunity to see the world through another set of eyes. I find so much joy in watching my son
inquire and discover. His love of learning is unstoppable, and it is such a blessing. I will continue to do all I can to see
that he has every opportunity for success.
~Jessica Ferguson
~Jessica Ferguson