But not in the home of Rogel Negron and Stephanie Jones-Negron, whose son Sami was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and a half.

The couple married in 1998 and shortly after, brought baby Sami into their already-blended family.

“At the time, I didn’t even know what autism was,” explained Rogel. “We were both overwhelmed, but Steph was the backbone. She taught me so much and I read anything and everything I could get my hands on.

“We knew we could do it … together,” he added. “Failing was not an option.”

Sami started right away with extensive therapy and when he was around eight years old, Rogel took a leap of faith and received training to become a medical transcriptionist, working independently at home.

Rogel didn’t want to just be the provider; he wanted to be the fixer.

“It’s so different for a dad,” he explained. “Working outside the home was hard. People are much more lenient in letting a mom leave for a few hours to take a child to an appointment or to take calls with issues at school.”

Within a year, Stephanie left her job as a nurse, becoming a transcriptionist also, and now the Minot couple still work full-time at home with flexible hours that revolve around Sami’s schedule.

“Everything that is important to you changes,” smiled Rogel. “It has just been incredible watching him grow and it’s so rewarding to see him overcome challenges. He is such a trooper and pushes through.”

After meeting Sami, one would not need a study to prove that a dad’s involvement makes a huge impact in molding a child. He’s a happy 14-year-old kid who loves to do things any other child enjoys doing.

“Especially if it’s with my dad!” Sami exclaimed. “He’s the best dad and he does a lot of things with me.

“Mom is the best, too,” he added. “She gives the best hugs and is there when I’m sad, but if I want to watch a movie or play a game, I want my dad. I just like how he laughs and plays like he is a big kid, just like me.”

Living on a farm is a great experience for Sami, complete with swings, fields to play in, cats, a dog and ducks to tend to. “When I was younger, one duckling came into the house for a while because the other ducks had been mean to him and he followed me everywhere and ate out of my hand,” Sami giggled. “He even took baths with me and drank water out of my belly button!”

The Negron males both have an amazing bond and their laughter is contagious, especially when they are teasing each other.

“Dad really protects me from all kinds of food,” Sami laughed and rolled his eyes. “Like when we roast marshmallows he takes all the burned ones. Ya, and says I wouldn’t like them; or when he steals my last French fries and tells me they were cold.”

“Hey buddy, I’m just doing my daddy duties,” Rogel laughed and poked back.

They truly enjoy each other’s company and seem to be much alike in many aspects.

“At camp we swim for hours,” said Sami. “And we like to play out action movies that we watch, like when snorkeling we pretend we are finding Atlantis. At night I like to swing and watch the fire.

“In the winter, dad plows the snow and helps me build forts,” Sami added and started laughing again. “And he makes a good meatball sub — sometimes he lets me eat it all!”

When a child is diagnosed with a special need it can become a dad’s greatest challenge and Rogel’s source of strength and leadership is something his son will grow up and learn from.

“Rog has been our rock,” said Stephanie, “He has never been anything but supportive of me and whatever comes our way with Sami. More and more, I realize what a gift it has been to have him as Sami’s dad and my partner in parenting this wonderful little soul.”