I have a 5 year old son that means the world to me. He has a developmental disorder called PDD-NOS. Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified. And is also on the Autism Spectrum.

What is PDD-NOS?

PDD-NOS is a condition in which, some not all, features of Autism are displayed. There is marked impairment of Social Interaction, Communication, and Behavior Patterns or Strong Interests. This often gets misdiagnosed or mislabeled as just PDD or Autism.

He has these big, soft brown eyes. The highlight of my day is first thing in the morning when he climbs in bed next to me to “cuddle you”. I couldn’t ask for a better morning than that. No day is the same. Some are better than others. He has changed my life significantly and allowed me to view the world through his eyes. To take amazement to the wonders of the world and the simplest things. Like A flower or a sprig from a tree. He has the greatest imagination I have ever seen. Memorizing every single word of every movie he has ever seen. The way he can take any toy apart, down to the tiniest piece and reassemble it.

Some people think Autism, ohhh that child has “Special Needs”. The way I view my “Special Needs” child and the way everyone else views him are total opposites. Special Needs in the eyes of the public is “the short bus” and special classrooms. My “Special Needs” child is one in a million. Everyday teaching me more and more. Inspiring me to see things with more amazement. Teaching me what it means to love unconditionally without faults. Taking the joy in everyday.

So the next time you hear the term “Special Needs” think about what that really means to you, as an individual.