Do You Have What it Takes?

This is not my list but I love it anyway. I have no idea where it came from so I apologize in advance to the original author.

What it takes, besides patience and love, to be the parent of a child with Autism:

1. Scientific researcher.
2. Education advocate and educator.
3. Insurance specialist.
4. Herbalist and dietitian.
5. Doctor.
6. Lawyer.
7. Shaman/Witch Doctor.
8. Expert negotiator and arbitrator (Think IEP).
9. Political lobbyist/activist.
10. Speech and letter writer.
11. Lectures "R" us.
12. Internet explorer.
13. Book reviewer.
14. Biochemist.
15. Play date party organizer/caterer and referee.
16. Web site designer.
17. Assisted technology and software reviewer and beta tester and inventor.
18. Never ending explorer of ways to say "GOOD JOB!"
19. Crisis intervention specialist (Talking your spouse or other parents off the tower).
20. Marathon runner. Stamina and world-class speed.
21. Tae Kwon Do expert. The defensive prowess of Bruce Lee.
22. Disney movie cataloger/VCR Mechanic.
23. High angle rescue specialist (How in the heck did she get on the roof?)
24. Builder. Get me my patch kit honey there's another hole in the wall.
25. Tough guy with a good chin. You know like Rocky.
26. Make up artisit. You should not be able to tell or care if you’re having a good or bad hair day.
27. Advertiser/campaigner (Therapist wanted flexible hours etc......)
28. Navy SEAL, complete with high sleep depravation threshold.
29. Low sensitivity to screaming and/or loud banging noises.
30. Maid. Man, do I love to do laundry.