When Derek Volk Embraced His Son’s Autism Diagnosis
Derek Volk is a father of 4, a supporter of Autism awareness, philanthropist, softball coach, and a book author.
Derek’s oldest son, Dylan who is diagnosed with Autism, taught him to view fatherhood from a different perspective than most dads.
He states:
For years I struggled with and resented my son’s diagnosis.
It caused so much stress in my family’s life.
I learned how to be more understanding of his challenges as well as needs.
The day I embraced Dylan’s, Autism diagnosis was a very proud and successful moment.
Derek and Dylan co-authored Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum.
Learn more about Dylan at www.chasingtherabbit.org
From another dad, he has learned that life as a parent goes by too quickly and to take every moment you can.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”c0o10″ via=”yes” nofollow=”yes”]You’re only as happy as your saddest kid. ~ Ken Volk (Derek’s Dad)[/ctt]
Derek tells us that his dad was a wonderful role model and that he also admires Chuck Fabian.
Chuck works at my company (Volk Packaging Corporation) as a sales rep and has two outstanding young men for sons. They are both police officers. I have always been impressed by the way Chuck was able to not only build tremendous bonds with both his sons but also hold them to strict discipline and respect for him.
When asked what he does well as a dad, Derek states…
I prioritize what is important to all my kids.
It doesn’t matter whether it was my son who was obsessed with birds or my daughter who played softball or another daughter who did musicals or the one who cheers. I’m there for them and take pleasure in whatever it is that gives them joy.
Derek received the 2015 Spurwink Humanitarian of the Year Award and is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Amy. Amy is a Senator who is currently serving her third term in the Maine Legislature.
Derek actively participates in the Maine Business Leadership Network (BLN), a national organization that focuses on connecting employers with employees who have disabilities. His own company currently employs those who are deaf, blind and on the Autism Spectrum.
36 thoughts on “When Derek Volk Embraced His Son’s Autism Diagnosis”
This is so important!! If the parents mood is down about it, how can you expect the child’s mood or confidence to be up?
Exactly true. Thanks for reading.
I have taught several students with autism and understanding each one as an individual is so important! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger’s Pit Stop! Roseann from http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com
I love the Pit Stop and happy to share.
I just love this, what a beautiful story!
I love how truthful Derek was about his struggles to accept.
What a beautiful story and I love the quote ” You are only happy as your saddest child” it is so true
Derek’s Dad is a pretty smart man.
Such an important message, Elise. We will feature this on our Pit Stop. Thanks for being a valued co-host.
Kathleen
That will be wonderful. Thank you and also big thanks for having me as co-host.
The quote about only being as happy as your saddest kid has really made me think. This is really inspiring and supportive, loving dads (and mums) make all the difference.
That one really made me think too. It is simple and profound at the same time.
This post lets me know that there are wonderful Dads out there. It was heartwarming to read. Thanks for sharing their story
You are very welcome. Do share your snowball wreath at the Winter Craft Link Party here at Ask Dr Ho.
What a lovely post, thanks for sharing their story.
It was my pleasure.
I think as parents we need to remove our baggage and allow the kids to do what they love to do, embrace it like he said: bird watching, cheerleading, or whatever. All children are miraculous gifts (all Humans are) and learning to embrace daily with all the ups and downs.
Kim, this is beautifully stated. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insight.
this is very sweet. must be hard having to deal with these types of disabilities in their kids, but any parent given a child with such disabilities was given a gift that God knew that they could handle.
That is a beautiful sentiment.
I loved the quote about only being as happy as your saddest kid, it’s a great reminder and a good way to keep things in perspective. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story!
I really liked that too. IT really makes you think.
Very heart warming-it must be so hard for parents dealing with things like this.
It helps when they are able to find out what is really going on.
Awww so touching. The world needs more great dads!
Wonderful parents make wonderful children.
So many stories like this surfacing in recent years. Its inspiring to know that regardless of a persons situation they can lead happy fulfilled lives. Mindset and attitude play a huge role in it all…and of course the support from the parents in this case
I agree it is inspiring. I hope to share more stories like this.
Loved reading the perspective of a dad. We Parents are daily growing with our kid as they grow. Its very important to embrace every moment with them.
I agree with you on all three points. Thanks for visiting.
My oldest has autism and we’ve known it since he was about 3… sigh. He’s currently in the special education pre-k program at school and mostly doing well there at school. Here at home is another story… he’s out of control and your typical autism kid.
I am happy to hear that he is doing well at school and hopeful that you will be able to help him to have better behavior at home. Keep in touch. I am looking to share additional resources on this important subject.
This is such a heartwarming post. Thank you for sharing their story.
Thank you for reading it. 🙂
I have a 5-year-old son with autism. He is the oldest of 3. This is awesome.
There are so many stories of success with proper care and great parenting. I am sure your son will also be a success.