As a parent with a special needs child I have discovered, there are many challenges in living with a child who has a disability and/or psychological disorder. My entire family continues to experience the many highs,the many lows and often without many"in-betweens."  My family has often felt stressed, overwhelmed and  discouraged in  in dealing with our son.  For our son however the world outside is much more challenging place, and is often filled with people who were/are intolerant or ignorant of his disorders which intensifies  these feelings and impact his behaviors. There are many times when we experienced the disapproving stares, the unkind comments, the rejection from being different, well meaning advice from those who don’t  understand and the judgmental lack of compassion.  

When we adopted our son, Jonathan in 1986 he was diagnosed as "failure to thrive/neglect". In 1992 he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.)and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (O.D.D.). Much to our dismay in 1995 he was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.  My journey with my son includes dealings with the juvenile court system, endless school issues, a residential placement in another state,  churches, doctors and therapists. I have felt the tears of frustration, the pain  of endless arguments about his behavior, and the joy when he succeeds. Now that he is an adult we face different challenges that are more complex and serious than when he was younger. I know that my journey with my son will continue for the rest of my life.