One huge fact that we will never reveal is that we are lonely. We are often on the outside looking in, looking in at both society and our own child, unable in a way to reach both. We are isolated from society due to our caring role, lack of financial support and understanding. We are isolated from our child as we are never truly allowed ‘inside’.

*Note: Autism being a spectrum disorder, I understand too that this doesn’t necessarily reflect how all parents of autistic children feel, or that the behaviors described are relevant to all those who have autism. But – particularly for those who are on the more severe end of the spectrum, it does strike a chord.

What Parents of Autistic Children Will Never Tell You