People Think Having a Nonverbal Teenager Is the Hardest Age. They Couldn’t Be More Wrong.

People often assume the hardest part of raising a nonverbal child with autism comes during the teenage years, when your child is bigger, stronger, and harder to physically manage. After raising my 15-year-old son Lucas, I can honestly say the years that scared me most came much earlier.This week, I talk about why the uncertainty of ages 5, 6, and 7 weighed on me far more than life with a nonverbal teenager today. I share a recent moment that reminded me just how much Lucas has grown, why fear of the future can be more difficult than the reality itself, and how years of patience, consistency, and small lessons have shaped the young man he is today.I also discuss teaching emotional regulation, setting healthy iPad boundaries without constant battles, respecting a nonverbal teenager's privacy and dignity, and why peace of mind often comes from finally knowing your child instead of fearing who they might become.If you're parenting a nonverbal autistic child and wondering what the future holds, I hope this episode offers a little reassurance. It may not get easier physically, but it can get much easier emotionally.It's Here! Get the book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” on audio, digital, or print.Follow Us On TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.