There are so many gaps in the special needs world, it brings me to tears.
People say, “Reach out for help,” but when I did, I was met with closed doors and “no” after “no.” It’s defeating and exhausting. As parents, we’re already stretched thin-but it’s also important to keep advocating for our children.
That’s why getting connected with Possabilities has been phenomenal. They understand. They care. They reach out-and not just when things go right, but when they don’t, asking, “How can we make this better?” That kind of compassion is rare.
My husband and I have three boys. Our twins, Jacob and Daniel, just turned 18 and graduated from high school, and a 31-year-old who is out of the house. Jacob has level 2 autism-the mid level of severity. He’s verbal, but our conversations are tough and often one-sided. He lives in his own world, and while that protects him, it also puts him at risk, which keeps me up at night. He’ll start jumping or flapping or just talking to himself in public, and people stare and have zero understanding about why he does this. Jacob also lives with anxiety, depression, epilepsy, POTS, intellectual delays, a blood disorder, and had a spinal fusion to correct his scoliosis and kyphosis.
Daniel shares the same blood disorder, had Level 1 autism, ADHD, depression and anxiety. He’s smart, talented in sports and music, but can be easily taken advantage of because of his innocence. Kids have bullied him, assaulted, and financially exploited him. That kind of pain is hard for me to talk about.
For years, my husband and I worked opposite schedules to care for the boys. Then I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and had to stop working. I became a full-time caregiver, often buried in paperwork that no one sees or understands.
Most of what I know came from late-night Googling or a passing conversation. Services are hard to access and even harder to understand. That’s why I believe in Possabilities and the vision for the Achievement Hub-especially the Family Resource Center. We need a place that helps us use the support we’re given, advocates with us in schools and county meetings, offers parent and sibling support groups, and activities and classes for our kids. A place where our family fits in.
A one-stop place for help would be life-changing-for families like mine, and for so many others still searching for hope.
Possabilities has been phenomenal. They understand. They care. They reach out-and not just when things go right, but when they don’t, asking, “How can we make this better?” That kind of compassion is rare.