Hi Jackie . Welcome to SPD International.

I'm sorry to hear about the struggles you have been through up to this point with your son Jacob. It's unfortunate, but this is not a new story to me at all. Any of it; the feelings of failure and inadequacy, the disbelieving family and doctors, the blame, the guilt.... all of it. I have heard that many times, and it never ceases to aggravate me.

Here's what I can tell you though, and it's what I tell pretty much any parent I come across who goes through that: You are doing a wonderful, amazing job, so keep it up . Honestly, you do have a special needs child, whether others choose to believe it or not. To me, the very fact that so many people don't believe it is an indicator of just how private and difficult this disorder is to live with. Heck, not even everyone in the same household necessarily believes it. It's real though, and I'm sure you are encountering it with your son.

I wish you the best. Please stick around and get to know people here.

Do you have any other interests? Hobbies perhaps? We're here to get to know you. It helps to feel like you really know the people who are offering support. You also need to remember to take some time (whatever you can find) to yourself.

Hope to see you around the forums. Best wishes. Thanks for posting and sharing all of this with us. Again, welcome.
-Dan