It’s that time of year again where everyone in the Autism community is called upon to ‘rah rah sis boom bah’ for Autism Awareness. Unless you have been living in a cave for the past decade or more, you are likely aware. I know I am completely, fully, utterly aware. Autism awareness is every day for those of us who have children on the spectrum. If you are not already aware, then chances are, it is by choice. That is why April as Autism Awareness month is just plain exhausting for me.
Yes, I said it.
I’m asking folks to take
all of this wonderful awareness a step further.
Acceptance.
Isn’t that what
everyone wants? Just to be loved and
accepted for who we are? I often cringe
when I read comments on Autism blogs that say, “We are fighting Autism!!” I am all for research to understand and
prevent possible causes. I am all for the
development of therapies to help children cope with and thrive despite their
disability. I am all for parents doing
anything and everything they can to make their children’s life easier and to
ensure that they can function to the best of their ability. That is not fighting Autism. That is being a loving parent. That’s what any of us would do.
I have been through that phase of desperation
where you never feel like you are doing enough for your child, where you must
DO ALL THE THINGS to make it better for them. A
part of that never goes away, but personally, when I accepted my son for exactly
who he is, I found peace.
Being a parent is hard, but being a parent to a child with a disability
can sometimes bring you to your knees.
Being a sibling to someone with Autism is hard, although my children are
unequivocally better people because of it. Most of all, having Autism is hard. Sometimes
even when you have the ability to speak, you cannot articulate exactly what you
mean or need, which is incredibly frustrating for the child. Throw in a cluster of sensory issues and you
would not believe the strength it takes just to get through each day. My boy is strong, sweet, hilarious, and so
much more. He inspires me.
I will always do what I feel is in
his best interest, as I would for any of my children. Now, this is where all of you come in. Encourage your children to embrace
differences among all people. This
includes skin color, body shape, interests, and abilities. Encourage them to seek the ways that they are
alike.
Chances are, they will see there
are more similarities than differences.
Chances are, they will gain a new friend. Chances are, their life will be enriched by
it.
Finally, befriend an ‘Autism family’. I sort of hate that term because labels are
just another way to divide and to make us an ‘other’. But, be a friend. Accept that family for who they are. It may take a little more patience and
understanding, but really get to know them. They will be some of the strongest, most caring and
loyal people you will know. Be there, love and accept them without judgment.
Chances are, you will have friends for life.
