Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to the one who lacks might He increases power. (Isaiah 40:28-29 NASB)
[This story was written by a friend and posted on her social media account. It calls us to prayer.]
There’s so much noise—loud opinions, extreme views in the media right now about autism. And if you’re anything like me, it can feel safer to stay quiet. To not say the wrong thing. To not stir anything up. I’m a professional “avoider”… especially with big feelings. And honestly? I’m feeling a lot.
But silence doesn’t help our boys.
Two of my sons—15 and 13—both have Autism Spectrum Disorder. We’ve known for years. And yes, we saw the signs. One had no words. One didn’t play or connect with others. One didn’t want to be touched. One needed to be held tightly just to stay regulated. Certain sounds legitimately hurt them. Lights hurt. Everything was hard.
Still, hearing the diagnoses out loud? It broke something inside me. Because then it was real. And it was forever.
I purposely don’t watch the news. But several people messaged me asking for my opinion on what has been said. So I looked. All the big channels are finally talking about autism. And part of me wants to cheer—but another part aches. Because for 13 years, I’ve lived in a world that few understand. A world that’s rarely acknowledged. A world that judges everything about our parenting. Where we are expected to survive quietly, invisibly.
But not anymore.
So here are my thoughts. As a mom. As someone deep in this life every single day.
Autism isn’t a gift. But it’s not a tragedy either.
It’s not who my sons are—but it shapes
everysinglepart of how they live.
It’s heartbreaking. And sometimes, it’s breathtakingly beautiful.
It’s brought the most incredible people into our lives.
But it’s also brought deep fear—like what happens when they’re grown? When we’re gone? Who will care for them then?
I would take away their disabilities in a heartbeat. Not because I don’t love who they are—but because I do. I want life to be easier for them. Social life. Academics. Simple tasks. Emotional regulation.
I want peace in their bodies, quiet in their minds, safety in their futures.
They are amazing. Brave. So strong. They work harder than anyone I know just to do things most take for granted.
And yes—this is hard on our family. On their siblings. Especially the younger one. It’s heavy. Unpredictable. Sometimes lonely.
But it’s also made us tough. Tender. Thankful. And so much more compassionate.
I wonder why they have these diagnoses, and other kids don’t. I think it’s okay to ask that. To sit in the tension. To not rush past the questions.
Maybe in asking, we’ll find answers. Or at least support.
Because the truth is—we don’t live in the extremes. We live in the middle. In the real. In the messy. In the quiet courage it takes to do this every day.
Our boys don’t stop having autism when the news stops talking about it. This isn’t a trend or a headline for us. This is life.
It’s not what I pictured. And it’s hard.
But goodness, do I love my sons.
And I hope that if you are living with the impacts of autism, you know you’re not alone. And if you aren’t, that you’ll learn how to better support others who are. And practice compassion.
God,
Thank you for this woman’s courage in openly sharing her experiences as a mother of boys with autism. While people may continue to debate the causes of this condition, we trust that you hold the answers. We pray that you would reveal those answers, so we can move closer to bringing healing and freedom to our children.
Today, we pray for families raising children with autism. We ask for strength, wisdom, and courage for parents and caregivers. May they have every resource they need to love and raise their children in a way that honors you—financial provision, access to therapies, and opportunities for rest and support.
When they feel lonely or exhausted, surround them with the comforting presence of your Spirit and surround them with supportive, and encouraging friends. Grant them rest for their souls, strength for each day, and a bright hope for tomorrow. We ask all this in Jesus’s name. Amen.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NASB)