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Occasionally, people will say to me, “it’s good to hear from Dads because there are so few Autism Dads who are really involved like you.” Honestly, I have avoided writing this piece even though it has been on my mind since I started I’mSimplyaDad.com. I just am not sure that people could truly identify with my point of view as an Autism Dad. Nonetheless, I’ve decided to go ahead and tell my story.
This post is going to be a bit different than most of my other writings. Typically, when I create a new blog post, I like to provide some type of advice, insight, or actionable steps for my readers. At the very least, provide a little bit of hope or inspiration that may brighten up their day. In this article, I am simply offering an open, honest look at what it feels like to be a stay-at-home Autism Dad.
In Defense of the Typical Autism Dad
Before I dive into my own feelings, I’d like to take a minute to defend my cohorts that serve their families in a more traditional sense. Being an autism Dad is hard. There’s no getting around that. We all deal with it in different ways. Moms may think their husbands are out of touch or care more about their jobs, but that may not be the case. It may just be a case of they don’t know how to cope with the reality of having a kid with autism. It’s heartbreaking to realize that you’ll never get to take your son to his first baseball game, talk fantasy football with him, or see him take his first girlfriend on a date. What you thought your life would be like as a Dad gets turned upside down when autism enters the picture.
For some Dads, working 60 hours a week is the best way they can provide for their families. Autism isn’t just hard for us Dads to deal with, but it is also insanely expensive. Dads appreciate this and many of them work the butts off to make sure their kids can get everything they need. To some Dads working is their way of being a good Dad. Being a stay at home autism Dad, I honestly can’t relate to this perspective, but I certainly can respect it.
Where Do I Fit In?
If being an autism Dad isn’t isolating enough, being a stay at home autism Dad makes it so much harder. I don’t fit in anywhere. I can’t relate to my working counterparts. The go-to conversation for most guys is their jobs. Obviously, I don’t have anything to contribute. Guys don’t want to hear about your kids, which is, of course, my job. Likewise, I don’t care about their jobs because I can’t relate to it at all. I don’t want to hear about how many hours they had to put in to get this “huge” project done. While they were flying to New York on business last week, I was busy scrubbing poop off of the walls and preventing my son from banging his head on the floor. You see the disconnect?
Some guys like to talk sports, but the sad fact is that I have become so busy with autism, researching how to help my son, and taking care of the day-to-day needs of my family that I am now out of touch with the current sports world. To make matters worse, some Dads will even complain/make fun of their wives. They’ll sarcastically say things like “my wife says we have to limit the sugar so no more bananas for the kids….” This inevitably leads to a conversation where they think their wife goes too far, but they just go along with it. I just politely smile, all the while realizing they that are essentially making fun of me as I say very similar things to my wife.
Sad but True
It’s gotten to the point where I almost avoid contact with other Dads. Even when there are events with fellow autism Dads, I tend to find a reason not to attend. As much as I would love to make connections with other Dads and maybe make a friend or two, it’s just easier to avoid these situations. These events remind me that I don’t really fit in anywhere. Honestly, it makes me sad, so I’ll just stay in my bubble and avoid the potential letdown.
Moms: Polite but not Welcoming
Most Mom groups, special needs or otherwise, don’t want to let a Dad in their club. I remember trying to get the boys involved with playgroups even before autism came into the picture. The moms were always nice and polite, but I never felt welcome. I tried several outings, but I never felt like I was part of the group. These playgroups are social groups for stay-at-home moms as much as they are for the kids. I was hoping they could be an outlet for me to meet people too and maybe make a friend or 2. It was clear this would not happen in a Mom’s group.
The rare stay-at-home dad playgroups were quickly out of the picture once autism became more obvious. Ethan didn’t really play with anyone, and often times the meetups were at McDonald’s or some fun pizza joint. We started the gluten-free diet immediately after the diagnosis, so Ethan could not eat at these places, which sparked a couple of meltdowns. It didn’t take long for me to give up on the idea that playgroups would be a good place for us all to make friends.
What Do You Do?
The loneliness of being a stay at home autism Dad is made more evident when you realize you don’t really fit into society either. There is still this lingering stigma that all Dads should be working. If someone needs to stay home, it should be the Mom. I can’t tell you the awkward conversations I have had with people that start with the simple question, “What do you do for a living?” Most people are polite, some will even say how great it is that I’m with my kids, but in reality, I can just sense their disapproving sentiments.
Similarly, a trip to the grocery store will yield a minimum of 2 mean looks from strangers. Of course, when Ethan is having a hard time in the middle of Costco that number is exponentially higher. All autism parents get these looks during public meltdowns, but it’s so much worse when you’re a Dad. I’m sure my own insecure perception makes this feel worse, but I’m quite certain most of the shoppers are thinking that I have no control over my kids.
You Don’t Do Enough for Your Family
As if it’s not isolating enough to be a stay-at-home autism Dad, the loneliness cuts even deeper when your own family members question your efforts. Not that long ago, someone in my family said, “I don’t like Dave. I don’t think he does enough for his family.” This is by far, the most hurtful thing that has ever been said to me or about me. It states perfectly the very thing that I believe the rest of the world thinks of me. Of course, I don’t agree with it, but that doesn’t make it any less hurtful.
From my perspective, I am now the first person in my house to wake up in the morning, and the last to go to bed at night. I cook 3 meals from scratch every day (and two snacks). I do all the work of a stay at home Mom plus the chores or a working dad (i.e. the lawn, garage…) At the same time, I am doing countless hours of research learning how I can become healthier, and how I can help treat my son’s autism. I’m reading about how to handle my stress level so that I can be a better husband and support my wife even more. Meanwhile, I’ve completed a Master’s degree, worked part-time, and now I am trying to help other parents through my blog.
Why is that Not Enough?
Apparently, that is not enough. The only reason I can think of is that I’m not working. We circle back to the stigma that I have to face every day. Despite being extremely strapped financially, I choose to not work. It is what’s best for my family. My career is my wife and kids, and the only way I can meet their needs is to be home with them. We all make sacrifices for the betterment of our families. Why is my sacrifice less valued? Why is my sacrifice viewed as laziness in the eyes of others? I choose to live this life that can be isolating. I fight through the loneliness because I know that is what my family needs from me. Why is that not enough?
Am I Really Doing All I Can?
Of course, inevitably, there is this doubt that creeps in. Am I really doing all I can? Should I be doing more? Perhaps, the reason that statement was so hurtful is that there is some of my own guilt behind it. Not for the same reasons, but I do have a fair amount of remorse. Every night, I reflect upon the day. Every night, I have the same regrets. “I should have played with the kids more today”. –or- “Oh no, I forgot to give this supplement to Ethan” –or- “I should have handled that situation better and not lost my patience.”
Every evening, I say I should have done better today, and I beat myself up a little bit. Then, I know tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity to be better. Before I go to bed, I psyche myself up for the challenges and opportunities that the next day promises to bring.
I’m Actually Pretty Happy
My life as a stay at home autism Dad is not all bad. In fact, it can be pretty freaking amazing. My son has changed my life for the better in so many ways, and nothing gives me more joy than seeing his eyes light up and his smile gleam. I also have 2 other pretty fantastic kids who are absolutely incredible. I am proud to be their Dad. My kids are my “Why”. They are why I work so hard every day, and they help me overcome the loneliness and get over my insecurities.
My family is why I wake up every morning ready for life. I try my best to focus on the good. To focus on the smiles of my little guys and the small victories we have each day because that’s why I keep going. I take my bruises. I take the punches the world throws at me. When I fall down, I get right back up. That’s the life of this autism Dad.
Can You relate to this article? Did you gain any insight into life as an Autism Dad?
Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Originally Posted on I’m Simply a Dad
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Thanks for giving voice to this experience. Being one of those dads who works 60 hours a week, I could still relate with about 95% of what you wrote (and know that my wife could relate to the part about staying at home). And thanks for mentioning that there’s also joy involved. For instance, my son couldn’t smile naturally on command if his life depended on it. But when he’s involved in one of his obsessions, his smile lights up the room. Parenting is always a mixed bag, and in that sense, it’s no different if your kid has autism.… Read more »
I am autistic father. And I love being there everyday giving my beautiful boy the support he needs. He’s more important than any job. My main concern is to be his rock. And that’s me being there all the time. He’s my life👍🏻 my goal is to give him a safe beautiful life x Nothing wrong putting your son with special needs first in life. U just being a great dad be proud of yourself. Its harder than anyone’s job we do it because we are great parents. Which this world is lacking!
Dave, YOU ARE NOT ALONE….my friend! I’m a stay at home dad with a non verbal autistic son and this article is VERY similar to my life. Just hang in there and be strong not only for your kid(s) but for your entire family. Almost everything that you said I have experienced or going through it now. The way I cope with it is finding a way to stay strong and ignoring external negativity to a larger degree and like you alluded to. Some things are hurtful but as long as you know and understand your purpose than it tends… Read more »
Thank you Andre. It is comforting to know that I’m not alone. Thank you so much for sharing, reading, and commenting!
I’m confused as to why you described yourself in your opening as “a Dad with autism”. Do you have autism or not? Thanks.
Hey Denise, the title was originally written to say Autism Dad not Dad with autism. I’m guessing the editors didn’t like the term autism Dad (that’s what we Moms & Dads call ourselves). They changed it to Dad with autism, but I asked them to edit the title and they have done so. It now more accurately reflects the intent of my article. Thanks for your comment. PS: I do NOT have autism, my son does. I’m Simply his Dad.
Hi Dave i definetly feel what you are going through and know that you aren’t alone. I am a stay at home dad with a son with autism and I definitely understand the looks and the stigma that comes with being a stay at home dad. From the oh you stay at home remarks to the struggle of getting the schools and doctors to call me instead of my wife. I too have nights where I feel like I failed because i could have done more in the house or cooked a better meal for the family or just even… Read more »
Thanks Joe. It’s nice to have another Dad echo my feelings here. Thanks for the support and for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate it.
Hi Dave. Your article speaks volumes to the husband and father you are. I appreciate your candidness but I want to tell you about Rapid Prompting Method for your boy. You seem to do alot of research and this will be life changing. Please look up Soma, Halo Clinic austin texas, and RPM. You will not regret it. it has completley changed our lives and gave my son a life we NEVER expected. I wish you much luck and thank you for sharing your article with the world!
I will certainly do that. Thank you for the tip!
Dave Borden is so much more than SIMPLY A DAD! Thanks Dave for sharing your secret thoughts with the rest of us. And I want to share that Autism is Medical And TREATABLE! Dave knows that my son Ryan is now an aerospace engineer because we were able to help him medically. The “experts” said he would need to be institutionalized. I wrote I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE to prevent parents from making the same mistakes I did. Preview it athttp://a.co/beCTVSy I will be speaking about this again on May 25th at AutismOne (www.autismone.org).
You are amazing. I feel a lot of the things you wrote, even though I’m a mom. I live in a small town and see the same people at the parks, but I can’t relate to any of them and we aren’t included because people don’t understand or know how to be around my son. It’s a very lonely isolating journey. My husband is amazing and I’m thankful for him every day. You sound like you are doing an amazing job – the most important job – and going way above what many parents Do. And by the way there’s… Read more »
Thank you Cee! We just moved to a small(ish) town and it is definitely different here. I get even more looks as I guess they’re just not used to it here. Thanks for reading my article, and for your kind words.
I could have written the same thing. I think being on the spectrum myself makes things harder, as I can’t tolerate the petty games the other moms usually play. I found a pretty good core group of friends by starting a play meetup online and almost every other parent has autism in their family, so they aren’t shady to me or my kids. Trips to the store can be so awful with all 3 kids. Lots of mean stares and few kind words, more mean words. Keep up the good work, and you are appreciated!
Hi Sarah, thanks so much for reading my article and taking the time to comment. Know this! You are an inspiration to me and all parents with kids on the spectrum. We just want our kids to lead happy, somewhat normal lives. With 3 kids of your own, you are doing just that, and it’s awesome! So happy you found that core group of friends. They can make all the difference in the world. Thanks again for reading! You rock Sarah!