How to survive a special needs marriage

It's not easy. But we do it together.

Unpredictable challenges make marriage even more difficult.
(Image credit: Illustration Works / Alamy Stock Photo)

Our daughter, 15, has an autism spectrum disorder. Given the statistics — and the mayhem of her three younger brothers — it's a wonder my husband and I are still together.

When Erin turned 13, I wanted to hit the pause button. Seeing her body outgrow her mind terrified me. And as my marriage approaches its 18th year ("almost an adult," a friend noted), a part of me feels the same way. We've made it through our fair share of "for better or worse." Who wants to "grow up" and see what "sickness and health" lays ahead? Let's just stay here.

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Eileen Flood O'Connor is a writer and mother of four children, the oldest of whom has an autistic spectrum disorder. She graduated from the University of Virginia, holds an MA in literature from University of London, and attended Columbia School of Journalism.