Circle of Support
Rob and his wife have created a support group for their autistic son, which is comprised of family, friends, and care-givers:
‘First, there will be many other minds involved with creating ideas to help out with the fostering of Moose’s development. Perhaps we’ll feel like we’re not missing opportunities and such. Second, it’s an organized approach to helping us help Moose. We know we’re not alone in our interest to support him, but this is yet one more thing we can do in an organized fashion to provide a sense of community for him.’
When my wife and I left the hospital after our son was born, I felt…abandoned. Orderlies were hovering around our room, waiting to change the sheets. The phone stopped working. The hospital administrator kept walking by the door, tapping his watch. No one even waved goodbye. I was allowed to leave the hospital with a real, live human being, for which I was completely responsible, without so much as an eye exam.
Is it any wonder parents sometimes feel that we’re raising our children in isolation? In addition to the emphasis on being independent and self-sufficient, parents are also faced with experts who bemoan the lack of multi-generational households and long-distance families. Yet our kids don’t live in a vacuum.
Well. Unless you’re this freak.
Everyone my son meets has some hand, no matter how small, in raising him. Some have more influence than others, and most—even strangers—care about him. As a father, my responsibility isn’t simply to my own son, but also to every child who crosses my path.
What’s neat about Ron’s idea is that it goes beyond an academic understanding of this truth. He and his wife are making their community an intentional partner in their son’s life. They’ve helped their friends and family recognize the significance they play within the family.
October 13th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
I hear what your saying. I’m recently divorced and it’s nice to have the occasional person who can help out when the occasion demands. With the new relationship they have with my ex and me it’s important that they are surrounded by people who are supportive of them, so they feel more comfortable.
October 14th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
I think it’s a great idea and we often forget the importance of other people’s input into a child’s life, regardless of the circumstances really. Great post.
November 5th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
Hi. Thanks for the shout-out here! The Circle experience was pretty darn cool. I appreciate you including it here in your thoughts. Best of luck with your son.