Keeping Asher Safe

 

Without going into too much detail about Asher’s special needs, I want to express worries Amy and I have about his well-being. Unfortunately, in this country young Black men are not often afforded the benefit of the doubt that the rest of us are privileged to have. And so as Asher gets older and bigger, ways in which he behaves due to his neurodivergence create potential exposure points that cause us his parents to hold our breath for his safety. 

We are profoundly thankful for our village of professionals and friends who help Asher daily and provide us with much-needed emotional support. I want to express particular gratitude to my circle of colleagues who have also raised into adulthood their own young Black men with mental health challenges, for the practical advice and compassionate empathy they are able to give – you know who you are and I see and appreciate you. Thanks!