So now that it is Autism Awareness Month- I have to ask myself exactly what is it that I want people to be aware of? Is it the rising numbers? Now 1 in 88. Is it the sad state of our education system and it's inability to properly help our kids and not seclude, restrain or hurt them? (This is a broad statement- there ARE many great schools and teachers out there that advocate tirelessly for autistic students) Do I want people to be aware that not every person with autism is "Rainman", that savantism only comprises a very small percentage of people on the Autistic Spectrum? How about that not all autistic people are non verbal- MANY (including The Boy) are very verbal- even though The Boy's words didn't escape him until he was 4 years old. How about the fact that not all people with autism hate to be touched? Many love physical contact and crave the sensory input from hugs and cuddling. How about that autism doesn't "look" like anything- that most of our beautiful children are physically indistinguishable from their neurotypical peers, and most likely you have met an adult on the spectrum and didn't even know it. Yes- these and so many other things are what I want people whose lives may never be touched by autism to be aware of.
I want people to be aware that Autism Speaks is NOT the only organization you can donate to. In fact- since most of the money they bring in goes to high priced salaries. I highly encourage people to Google LOCAL charities and organizations if they wish to donate, either time or money. Here are a few national organizations that I support and encourage others to as well.
I admire The Boy and am proud of all of his accomplishmentst. He is sweet, full of fun, and ready to try anything because he loves adventure and trusts his parents to keep him safe. And while I do worry about his future (what parent doesn't?) I try to focus on today- and what is happening NOW. I have lived in the past, and I have dwelled on the issue the future brings- but here and NOW is what is most important. Here and NOW is what will help shape his future.
"It is a tragedy when children and adults with autism are not able to fully participate in their communities because they cannot access the services that would allow them to do so. The more we learn about autism, the more hope we have for treatment and the more tragic inaction becomes..." Former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY)
I worked with children with Autism in a residential treatment facility for 9 years, and they ranged very much in abilities. I no longer work in the field, but miss 'my kids' so much. There are two that I grew very close with, and still keep in touch, although it has been 5 years since I've seen one of them (we live in different states), we talk on the phone about once a month. These talks are some of my proudest moments. This young lady first came to our facility as a 14 year old child who had very few communication skills, except for expressing her extreme displeasure by pulling our hair, biting us, or throwing her meals at us. She barely left her bedroom, let alone the facility. When I left my job, she had developed into a 19 year old young woman who loved the beach, music, going for walks, and going to the mall... the noisy crowded mall! During her years at the facility, I was one of very few people that were her favorites... her safe people. She is now 23 years old, has moved to a small group home, and spends her days going out on day trips. It feels great to see the woman she has grown into, and know that I helped her to get there!
ReplyDeleteMy sister has also recently married a man who is on the spectrum. A wonderful man, who loves family, and takes great care of my sister. He's set in his ways (as is she!) and they definitely have their difficulties, but they work through it, and are all the better for it.