Fantasy Draft Pick

By: Jennifer Sando

Hey, it’s me again – your regular April guest blogger and proud autism mom. For those of you who don’t know me yet, I’m the mom of three incredible kids on the autism spectrum. I’m excited to be back this year to continue my story, with DIG graciously inviting me back as their guest writer for Autism Awareness Month. April is a busy month for my family. First, we have World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd—a day when we ask, “Hey world, are you aware of autism?” Then comes the rest of Autism Acceptance Month, which spans the entirety of April. Easter celebrations follow, and then we get to the biggest day of all: the NFL Draft, set this year for April 26th. (The Dolphins have the 13th pick in the first round, by the way).

Now, you might be thinking—what do autism and football have in common? Not much, at first glance. But here’s the thing: recently, I’ve started to wonder if maybe I need a draft pick of my own. See, an annoying phenomenon has recently occurred in my life. It’s that as my kids have gotten older, so have I. Shocking, I know! My kids are incredible, but as they get older, I seem to be facing more physical struggles of my own. You know, it’s the usual midlife stuff issues like a sore neck and shoulders. I’ve also developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands, which makes fine motor tasks a lot harder.

My kids can do plenty of things on their own now, but they still need a lot of help with everyday activities like cutting food, zippers, tying their shoes (essentially the fine motor skills). It’s becoming harder for me to do some of these things. I find my hands cramping up, dropping things, and just generally feeling weak. My eldest is now a senior in high school, and we’re in the middle of prom dress shopping. I’m helping her try on dresses, but hidden zippers and tiny hooks—clearly invented by Satan—are not easy. It’s frustrating, but I’m more worried that I will develop more physical issues as I get older. Some of my kids might need assistance throughout their lives. The reality is that I won’t be able to help them forever. My husband is a very hands-on dad, and he’s very healthy. He loves to remind me about the time a doctor told him he has the body of an athlete. He loves that story! But even he can’t hold off the effects of aging forever.

Maybe I can wrap my hands up like Dan Marino’s knees in the ‘90s and keep helping them forever. But as much as I want to be a veteran mom, I know my playing days will eventually wind down.

As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, let’s remember that autism doesn’t end with childhood. I can only hope to find appropriate support for my kids in the future. I may not have a draft pick on the way, but I’m hopeful for the right team to meet my children with their needs well into adulthood.