Most parents of children with special needs have to struggle in fulfilling their daily responsibilities. But a single mom in Ireland, who has 6-year-old identical triplets with autism and intellectual disability, shared that she found the joy of motherhood amidst the triple challenge of raising children with special needs.
Her Rough Journey As Single Mom Of Identical Triplets With Autism And Intellectual Disability
Avlyn McKeown, a single mom from Cobh of County Cork in Ireland, shared to the Irish Examiner that motherhood has been a challenging yet joyful journey for her. She openly admitted that her 6-year-old identical triplets, who were diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability, were her last attempt of motherhood and were IVF babies.
The single mom narrated that her identical triplets were born healthy despite a high-risk pregnancy and premature delivery by emergency C-section. She added that she thought that her three sons would be fine until she started to notice that something is different with them.
McKeown had her boys checked and she was shocked when she discovered that her identical triplets do not only have autism, but also intellectual disability. "I'll never forget the shock of hearing those words. I did cry and I did get a shock, I did ask 'why me?' But then it was 'why not me?" she recalled.
Finding The Joy Of Motherhood Amidst The Challenges Of Raising Identical Triplets With Autism And Intellectual Disability
McKeown disclosed that at first, she was mourning about the fact that she will be raising identical triplets with autism and intellectual disability. She said that she was worried about the future of her sons.
The Irish mom added that she later conditioned herself to be strong and remain positive. Although she admitted that she would prefer her identical triplets to not to have autism and intellectual disability, she said that she has fully accepted that it's the road she has to travel.
"I have three gorgeous, healthy, happy, mischievous boys. They have their issues but we have great fun and I love them unconditionally," McKeown expressed.
According to the National Health Service, IVF treatment could increase the chance of conceiving twins or triplets. Several studies have found that IVF babies are at higher risks of autism, birth defects and other complications.
What can you say about the single mom's outlook in raising identical triplets with autism and intellectual disability? Share your thoughts below.
