Beyond Pity: Celebrating Brantley's Happiness Despite Autism

When people learn about Brantley, it's often met with a reflexive response: "I'm sorry." It's as if society has conditioned us to believe that disabilities are something to pity, something to apologize for.

But here's the thing: there's no need to be sorry.

Brantley is happy. And as parents, can we ask for much more than a happy child?

Autism, Pica, Severe Intellectual Disability Disorder and ADHD may make our lives challenging at times. The daily routines, the therapies, the constant advocacy—it's a lot to handle. And if I am being honest, there are days when the struggles seem never-ending, when the stares and the judgment from others cut deep. But in those moments, I hold onto one truth: Brantley is happy. And his happiness is worth every sacrifice.

Disabilities are hard, but they are not a tragedy. And I don’t share about Brantley’s struggles for sympathy, I share about Brantley’s disabilities to break the stigma. I share to gain awareness. Awareness of Autism, Pica, Severe Intellectual Disability Disorder and ADHD.

I share so that one day, people will greet Brantley and everyone else dealing with developmental disabilities with a smile and  a hello instead of a stare and look of pity.

So here's to Brantley, and to all the children like him who teach us what truly matters in life: love, acceptance, and the pursuit of happiness. And I have to think that happiness is the greatest gift of all. #autismfamily #autismlife #disability #autismawareness