says Chaikind McNulty. “Even if you don’t immediately find those
you trust, keep searching because you and your family deserve a
community through this journey. Also, engage in self-compassion.

This journey will be full of wonderful loving moments and very,
very challenging ones. All that will be enhanced and helped with
self-compassion.” Marie Wei of Rockville is a mother to 7-year-old Parker, a
child with ASD.

“The hardest part is the fact that it truly is an invisible disability
until it’s not,” says Wei. “People often think that a child’s behavior
is acting out or misbehaving. In reality, autism is a disability that
causes the child the inability to control certain behaviors.”
And Wei stresses that beyond a parent’s difficulty to cope
with embarrassment, a mom or dad also has to worry about a
child’s feelings.

“Just because my son doesn’t talk or play with your children the
same way, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t want to have friends,”
Wei says. Like many other parents, Wei hopes that once adults
gain an understanding of children with invisible special needs, they
can pass on this understanding, compassion and empathy to their
children as well.

“Will you please teach your children to have extra compassion
to include children with special needs? Will you please teach your
children to learn what my child likes so they can gain his trust,
respect and desire to play with them?” Wei asks.

But Wei does try to take time to appreciate the positive attributes
and accomplishments of her son.

“Be patient. Look at the growth your child has made. Try not to
compare him or her to others, but be proud of where your child is
now,” Wei says. “You have an amazing kid who is so special.” n
WE DO IT ALL!
Tub Liners
Tub and Shower Replacements
Parenting a Child with an
Invisible Disability
We asked several mothers to express the emotions and
thoughts that come to mind as parents of a child with an
invisible disability. Below is some feedback they shared:
• Judged.

• Isolated and left out.

• Feeling of a lack of empathy from others.

• Not in control.

• Always tired.

• Constantly advocating.

• Fear of failure.

• Always on edge.

• Fear of my child being labeled.

• Always working harder behind the scenes than
other parents.

• Wondering if my child will ever truly fit in.

• Struggling to see my child’s positive attributes.

• Fearing failure without school and professional supports.

• Saddened that no one may get to know my child beyond
his or her diagnosis.

• Wondering if my child will hold a job or become
capable of functioning independently.

• Missing out on the typical childhood experiences.

• Struggling with when to disclose the disability for
support versus staying silent.

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1Tub-to-shower conversions and fiberglass replacements typically require a two-day installation. 2Lifetime warranty valid for as long as you own your home. *Offer ends 7/15/2022. All offers must be presented and used at time of estimate only. May not be combined with other offers or
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