Kyle Jetsel, a devoted father of a young adult on the autism spectrum, shares his heartfelt journey with his son, Erik. Despite facing numerous challenges and moments of frustration, Kyle comes to appreciate the significance of his reactions to the highs and lows they encounter.
Reflecting on his memories and aspirations, Kyle undergoes a transformation in his outlook, rediscovering a deep love for his son. His hope is to inspire others to recognize how unconditional love, empathy, and acceptance can forge stronger relationships with their loved ones on the spectrum.
Kyle’s story: Their everyday struggles
Today marks Erik’s birthday, my son who falls on the severe end of the autism spectrum. More often than not, he doesn’t seem to like me very much.
His persistent disapproval can wear me down at times, even causing deep emotional hurt. However, over time, I’ve learned to adapt and adjust my expectations of how I am treated. But I must confess, there are moments when his behavior can be hard to bear, and I find myself struggling to like him.
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Despite our efforts to cater to his preferences and engage in his favorite activities, there are instances when his behavior takes a toll on me. Recently, while leaving Target, he lashed out at me, aggravating some underlying nerve pain. In response, I remained composed, defused the situation, and brought back a sense of calm before heading home.
Kyle’s story: The moment of realization
As I put Erik to bed the night before his birthday, I noticed his unhappiness reflected in his expression. Feeling a wave of resentment, I recognized the need to shift my perspective. Recalling Viktor Frankl’s profound insights from “Man’s Search for Meaning,” I understood the power of choosing my reactions to challenging situations.
In a dream that night, I revisited cherished memories with Erik, reliving moments of joy and accomplishment. These recollections highlighted our shared triumphs and the deep love I hold for my son.
Kyle’s story: Thinking of happy moments with his son
Throughout the night, I dwelled on positive memories with Erik, recalling milestones like teaching him to say “I love you” and witnessing his growth and achievements. These reflections nurtured a sense of gratitude and love, reshaping my emotional response towards him.
This article was featured in Issue 162 – Love: Home & Community
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