It was a pleasure to interview Chris Superville and Shanté Nicole Harris-Superville to discuss autism and marriage. We rarely get to hear about the marriages that are working for autism families. I know some married couples raising children on the spectrum and I know single parents doing the same. It can have its challenges either way. Yet, all of these families are doing their best for their children.
BMWK: How old was your child when he was diagnosed with autism? How old is your child now?
Shanté: Dylan was two when he was diagnosed. He is seven-years old now.
BMWK: Shanté: How old was Dylan when you started dating Chris?
Shanté: Dylan was four-years old when Chris and I began dating.
BMWK: Chris: What was your reaction when you learned that Dylan was on the autism spectrum?
Chris: It was the first time I’d ever heard of the condition. Due to this being my first encounter, it only peaked my curiosity and created a desire to learn about it.
BMWK: Shanté: How did Chris’s reaction impact your relationship?
Shanté: Because he doesn’t have any children, I was skeptical about how he would handle raising a child, let alone, my child with special needs. He accepted him as his own, and accepted the challenge of taking care of him. This definitely grew our relationship stronger.
BMWK: How did you both work through the initial adjustments to make your marriage work?
Shanté: We pretty much played “Follow the Leader.” Chris observed how I handled Dylan and he imitated my actions as closely as possible.
BMWK: What roles have you both assumed in your family when it comes to caring for your son?
Shanté: We assume equal roles. This helps because we both lead extremely busy lives, so sharing responsibilities alleviates many situations that could turn stressful really quickly.
What a wonderful article!!! I have two on the spectrum and have been married for 16 years so I know the challenges. Ms. Kpoto hit it right on the head with these four. For us, humor has been our saving grace! We could have a difficult moment with one or both of our kids and hubby will make a joke, we’ll erupt in laughter, kids included, and it makes it all better.
Thank you. I enjoyed doing this interview. As a parent myself, I know how stressful things can get sometimes. These ingredients can certainly help.
I’m so glad you can relate! God bless you and your family!
Great interview! I absolutely love to see marriages thriving and couples working TOGETHER when their child has special needs. These are the stories we need to keep reading and seeing.
Agreed. Too often the focus is put on the marriages don’t work. While those stories need to be told, it is always good to talk about the ones that work as well.
Thanks Lisa!
Oops! It’s me! Thanks Lisa! 🙂
Thanks for the information it is very much needed. Wish I could get more .
You are welcome. What do you need more information on? Maybe I can help you.
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