When my daughter Kya was diagnosed with Autism, I knew we had an uncertain road ahead but what I did not count on was anxiety.

The kind of anxiety that prevents her from leaving our home.

The kind of anxiety that drives her to harm herself.

The kind of anxiety that has her pacing a room in circles.

The kind of anxiety that has her burst into tears at the drop of a dime.

The kind of anxiety that has her scripting 20 hours a day.

The kind of anxiety that causes nonstop vocal stimming. That’s not for the weak I tell ya.

And the kind of anxiety that cripples my child.

Anxiety is wrapped tightly around my daughter.

Over time as her anxiety escalated, I was desperate to help her.

We tried and failed at THC and medication.

Medication almost destroyed her mind and body.

We have settled into CBD through her pediatrician and although it is not a miracle cure, I do think it helps her.

Having a front seat to your child suffering is unexplainable.

I try to make her day to day as anxiety free as possible. I know what some of her triggers are and if I can eliminate them, I do my best to do just that.

I’ve heard of this thing called sleep but its rare in our home. And I have learned that lack of sleep adds to her anxiety.

Remember these words.

Ask for help.

A couple days ago we went to an ophthalmologist appointment on a referral from her neurologist. I prepared the receptionist and stressed Kya cannot wait in the waiting room. We got there she put us right into a room, and we waited for 22 minutes. I could feel the clock ticking. Thankfully, the doctor came in and quickly examined her. Turns out she needed glasses.

The following day we headed out to pick out her glasses. As soon as we entered the store, I looked for an employee and told them my daughter could not wait she had Autism and that we needed to do this quickly. The lady got us in and out. We retuned yesterday and as soon we walked in; she brought the glasses over to us. Thank you, lady.

I knew I was probably pushing it, but we needed groceries so off we went. Again, it was busy, and I knew the lines would do us in. So, as I stood there contemplating what to do a young kid in a uniform walked by. I stopped him and said my daughter has Autism and cannot do these lines. This young man immediately opened a register and bagged our groceries at record speed. As he handed me my receipt, he asked me if I knew about their sensory hour shopping. There is no doubt this store has been trained on some Autism. He was fantastic.

The world needs more people like him.

And because of a few days of events, it has come to a head. Today is full of screaming and tears.

Anxiety sits on top of my daughter.

It cripples her.

But I am right here kid please lean on me.

And how cute are her new specs?

On we go.

#Autism