You Might Be a Special Needs Parent if....

Lately, I've been doing some thinking on what makes those of us with special needs children just a little different from parents of typical children.

Here goes....

You Might Be a Special Needs Parent if....

• you send Christmas cards to at least three therapists.
• you speak in abbreviations that no one without a special needs child understands.
• you have a lock on your pantry door.
• you know what xanthan gum and hemp milk is.
• your child's keepsakes include lots of evaluations, medical records, and hospital bracelets.
• your babysitter is studying to be a therapist or a nurse.
• you scoff at the age suggestions on toys.
• you use the internet for research more than anything else.
• your kitchen counter is lined with vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements.
• your refrigerator is full of gluten-free flours.
• the first place you visit in a bookstore is the special needs parenting section.
• you know what the abbreviations IEP, ARD, ABA, BCBA, PPCD, PDD-NOS, and ECI mean.
• you know which of your child's arms is a better blood draw.
• you choose a restaurant based on whether or not they have a gluten-free menu.
• the word "normal" has become a relative term in your family.
• you know what a blessing each developmental milestone is.
• you have learned the true meaning of unconditional love.

These are just a few that came to my mind.  

I'd love to hear more so leave a comment and add to the list!