5 things autism dads want you to know

I read tons of blogs every day. I search for informative content for www.nsvar.org and www.facebook.com/nsvar and I notice that 90% of the blogs are written by mothers.

That makes sense to me... Mothers are the ones doing most of the nurturing, nose wiping, getting up in the middle of the night and stuff like that. They most certainly "have a dog in the fight" when it comes to their child. It's in their dna. My wife is a wonderful mother... My son is extremely well loved and cared for! She is a tireless advocate for him.

I'm the loudmouth in the family. (the 2000 pound silver back gorilla)  I started the website, I'm leading the charge against the state of Virginia's health department. I'm the blogger, webmaster, researcher and curator.

So... As a father of a child with autism (and an unofficially diagnosed Aspie myself) here are some things you may be interested to know :

1. Not all dad's take a "hands off"  approach to their child's autism. Way too many do, but there are fathers out there who refuse to let their children falter.

2. We are probably more terrified of our child eloping. We are the protectors of our clan. A real man takes that job seriously. I know I have nightmares about it.

3. Dad's are world class snugglers. This serves three important purposes: A. It's a calming sensory experience (for him and me both) B. If I'm holding him, I know he's safe. C. Snuggling is warm, sweet and a bonding experience.

4. Fathers are fierce advocates. Set a determined man on a path, and he will knock down any obstacle to make the way clear for his family.

5. Dads are imbued / blessed / plagued with a competitive nature that rejects the prospect of failure. I'm fighting the state to keep the local Child Development Clinic open. It's a matter of pride to me that I not lose this fight. I refuse to. You want to make my child's life difficult? You have to get through me first. (proceed at your own risk). Sure, there's arrogance in there, but advocacy and arrogance can make good bedfellows with the right circumstances.

I'm sure there are many more important points, and I encourage dads and moms to comment on this blog and tell me! My brain is like a bag of bees usually (thanks alot, Aspergers) and I'm sure I've missed something.