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The most common question I get asked by parents of a child on the spectrum is “How do I know if I am doing enough for my child?”. By asking this question, it proves that you are indeed already doing enough.

Oftentimes parents question themselves and second-guess if they are doing the best thing for their child. Yet the solution is quite simple, for I always say that as a parent, if you lead with love, you can never go wrong.

Sure, the outcomes may not be to your liking, very few things in life are. However, by always trusting your parental instinct you can rest assured that your unconditional love and support for your child is, in the end, the only thing that matters. You know your child better than anyone else. Have faith in your expertise.

When I was growing up, and still to this day, what I appreciate more than anything from my mom are the simple things. An ear to talk to, a shoulder to lean on and cry, a big hug, words of comfort and a body to sit next to.

Your child is assigned with the exhausting task of always entering the world of others. For me, personally, I cherish the times when others make the effort to enter my world. Here I can be unapologetically me. I can be vulnerable, share my insecurities, cry, vent, express my frustrations and feel comforted that I have someone who loves me enough to just simply listen.

You, as the parent of a child on the spectrum, hold the key to unlocking their full potential. Believe in your child. Have faith that the path you are on together is, and will always be, the right path. Life may not ever get easier, but let me tell you from personal experience, that it does get better.

Russell Lehmann is an award-winning and internationally recognized motivational speaker, poet, author and advocate who happens to have autism.