Did you know that God has a plan for each one of us? Even if we don’t think about it or acknowledge it, He does.

To be honest, at times, I really have to think long and hard about this, especially on the days where everything seems to be going wrong. I used to ask God why my children have autism and why he chose me to be an autism parent. It is never a good idea to ask God why he does things. He does them because He has a plan for our lives.

It is very difficult some days being an autism parent. Those of you who are, know exactly what I am talking about. Even at times, when I look at how much both of my children struggle with different things and others just seem to breeze by, I know there is a reason even if I can’t see it at the moment.

Being an autism parent can be a blessing and curse all rolled into one.

I look at my life now and I realize how God has used me to connect with other autism parents and professionals in the community. I realize how much I can help these people with my knowledge and experience and provide them with support when they need it. I realize that God does care about all of these children who struggle and their families. He created them exactly as He wanted them to be. Everyone struggles, even if it doesn’t seem that way.

God has a plan for every single person’s life. I can tell you that some of my closest friends are from the autism community. They are people I have met through my children or from different programs or even in the grocery store! I cherish these people so much and God has helped us through Amberlea Church create an inclusive, supportive community for these people.

Even though at times, when I think about the future for my children, I get uneasy. I know that God has a plan for them. He has given me people in my life to help that have helped me be a part of creating happy independent human beings who are such an important part of our society. I honestly can’t wait to see what each of my children will end up doing in the future. I used to be worried and scared, but now I am actually excited to see what contributions they will make in this world. The reason I can feel this way is because I know that God has a plan! I know that He is with my children and will continue to be with them each step of their lives.

When you get down in life or have moments of doubt about where you are heading, pray to God about it and He will lead you in the right direction.

A good verse to remember is Jeremiah 29:11,

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Shelly Wedge
Exceptional Family Ministry Coordinator
Amberlea Church