Single Dad Raising A Child with Autism

I created this page to serve as a forum for parents of children with autism. I'm sharing  experiences , life challenges, recommendations and helpful advice that may help others facing a similar situation.

As a single dad raising my son Izaac at age 12 with Autism has many daily challenges.

My son Izaac develop a speech behavior and needs help with selfcare. Let me tell you something about Izaac, his intellegent ,respectful, responsible, friendly, sweet and funny. His favorite hobby is using his Ipad waching sponge bob movies while eating pizza without the pepperoni. The hardest thing Izaac deals at night is going to sleep, its not easy growing up without mom. Those nights are long and his emotions get him sentimental when he remembers mom sleeping next to him.  The biggest fear my son has is me doing the same his mom did ,abandon him.  I keep telling him " I wouldn't change you for the world, but I would change the world for you".

I gave up my full time job because I have to take care of my son full time. Thankfully I have 2 years living expenses saved up. 

I've given up my social life. No time to spend with friends much as a sole parent. It would be nice to have a guys night out every now and then, but that is not an option.

I've given up my sleep. No co-parent to switch off with. 

I've given up a lot of happiness. Don't get me wrong. I love my son and he makes me happy. But without a two parent household I no longer can enjoy many of the things I used to since still require constant supervision. My whole life right now is dedicated to him. Men get postpartum depression too; I think I was more prone because I'm doing it alone and it is overwhelming. 

I've given up thinking I will  have an ideal family.  Let's face it ,there is a huge stigma attached to beign a single dad. It blows my mind when I take my son to the park and other parents ramdomly comment "it's so amazing  to see a man spending time with their child" REALLY??? I always thought fathers should be spending time with their children. Bottom line is, as a single father raising an autistic  child alone. I don't have time or effort to meet anyone. 

Those are just a few things I've given up by becoming a parent. I know in time, as he gets older things will change for the better. But for now I've given up almost everything that made me who I am because the love I have for my son is greater than the love for myself or anything or anyone else.  He is my world and my responsibility. So far its been the most challenging and by far most rewarding experience of my life. 

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