This post was originally written on my personal Facebook this morning in response to this post by Autism Speaks, which I first heard about through this wonderful post. While I do believe that something needs to be done to get our kiddos the services and education they so desperately need, I do NOT agree with this idea of spreading fear and painting this picture that all individuals with Autism are completely helpless and will not be able to live and work on their own. Or that they are somehow a burden to their parents. My son is only six years old, and while we obviously do not hide his Autism from him or anyone, he does not yet have an understanding of it, but I know he will one day. The last thing I want as a mother is for my son to read things like this and feel as though he is less than because of his diagnosis...especially coming from an organization that is supposed to be there fighting for him. I want him to know that he is absolutely perfect just as he is, as God created him to be.
THIS is Autism.
He taught himself to read at age 2, and now at age 6 reads above and beyond the level of his typically developing peers.
He knows who makes every movie, and is sure to tell you before watching.
He's likely to ask you what operating system your computer is running on so be prepared...and once you tell him, he'll remember forever!
THIS is Autism.
He loves his sister more than anything in the world. He does what he can to help take care of her...or tells Mommy what she needs when he cannot.
He has the biggest heart, and wants those around him to be happy...always.
He tells the greatest jokes...they don't always make sense but he tries and loves to make people laugh. ("Hey Daddy, remember that time you were playing PS2 and I pooped on you!? It was a funny joke!")
THIS is Autism.
He loves making videos and movie trailers...and is very good at it too. He could be a successful movie maker one day.
He is great at video games...and computer games...and iPhone games... he'll beat any adult at Angry Birds any day!
He brings joy and inspires those around him each and every single day. He is an amazing kid- smart, funny and all around awesome.
THIS is Autism.
Autism is not without it's challenges, but it is also not ALL bad either. It is NOT to be feared, it is NOT despair and it does NOT mean there is no hope of a future for my son. My son is not missing, he is right here...and he is absolutely amazing. He has not destroyed our family, but made it stronger, better, wiser...and we are living and dealing and thriving...one day at a time.
As a mother I believe in my son 100% with everything in me...I know that he is capable of doing amazing things, and I know that Autism is just part of what makes him who he is...and when I see people who are supposed to be spreading awareness and acceptance for my son instead spreading fear and making it seem once again that there is no bright light, it absolutely breaks my heart. How is it supposed to make him feel if he were to read comments such as, "And, what about their parents? How much can we ask them to handle? How long will it be before the exhaustion makes them ill? How long before they break?" My child is not a burden, and I would never, ever want him to feel that way. He is my everything, and I will continue to fight for him...but not with fear, by showing the world how amazing he is...Autism and all.
Thanks for being a voice to this! I work daily with individuals diagnosed with Autism of all ages and I can't stress what you said enough. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you for this post. Autism has such a broad range and I think more people need to be educated about this. =) Shared on facebook and twitter!
ReplyDeleteYour son sounds like an awesome individual. I used to work with teens and young adults who had special needs, the majority of whom had autism. I can tell you that it was challenging, yes. But mostly is was fun and rewarding, and I consider myself fortunate to have met all of those fine people.
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