Such a great thread with so many parents talking about how much joy they get from their children, especially ones with learning challenges. You all are really role models. Thank you.

One quick comment on PG's statement here: "Partly, and I won't deny it, this is because of serious chemical changes that happened almost instantly when our first child was born. It was like someone flipped a switch. I suddenly felt protective not just toward our child, but toward all children."

When I had my son I didn't feel anything different for the first few months. I felt bad as everyone said "something instantly changes" but I didn't feel anything. But a few months in, when he started to react to my efforts, and we did stuff together, I fell in love. Now I adore my children more than I knew possible.

So, if you're a parent who didn't feel an instant chemical reaction when your child arrived perhaps not a cause for alarm.