Heather James’ Blog

About me, I am first and for most a parent. I have five beautiful children. Two boys and Three girls. I also have Three stepchildren, Two step grandchildren, One grandson and Three daughter-in-laws. They are a large part of who I am, I can not deny that. Secondly I am a Child Advocate, I have a child with Autism. I fight to raise Autism awareness. I advocate fairness and equality for all. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills and cognitive function. The cost of raising a neurotypical child to the age of 18 is roughly one million dollars. And 1.3 million dollars through college, at which point most children become productive adults able to care for themselves. A child with autism will have an average lifespan but will most likely require care and assistance far past the ages of 18 or 21 and it will generally cost 13 million dollars over the course of their life for care. Autism is not contagious, although it affects an entire family. It can build or brake who you are. Autism has and can destroy a whole family and leave you broke, shattered, torn and empty. It changes your whole world. There are days that I am tired to the core. Although I would never change a second of my life I would not wish a child with Autism on my worst enemy. Last and least of all I’m a wife. At this I am failing. Not for lack of trying but I do believe I’m done trying. I have given much and received little. I’m tired of being lied to and mislead in general. It’s ALL or nothing with me. I don’t need a clingy needy man. I need someone who is going to be strong, firm and there for me. My marriage will be the first thing in my life that I have ever quit.