Posted in Autism, Canada, Family, Internet, Parenting, Uncategorized

15 Things I’m Aware of on World Autism Awareness Day

Posted on by D. Parker

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1. April is Autism Awareness Month.

2. April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day.

3. Today and all through April there will be more talk, more posts, more ads, more stuff sold, more people arguing about what caused Autism and still the numbers of children with Autism will rise.

4. For me everyday is Autism day. My son is brilliant, funny, clever, handsome, and amazing; he also happens to have Autism.

5. Children are being diagnosed with Autism in record numbers. Businesses, charities, celebrities, etc. are making record profits off the fears and vulnerabilities of parents.

6. Governments may say they’re aware and are doing a lot, but in truth, they just aren’t doing nearly enough.

7. Some parents hold mock funerals when their child is diagnosed with Autism. Is it just me or is that super creepy?

8. There are opautism13en doubters, closet doubters, haters, blamers, whiners, name-callers, bullies, accusers…the list goes on. None of that makes my child better.

9. The many voices for Autism, from whispers of hope to screams of anger to cries of despair can be heard throughout the world, not just today, but everyday.

10. There are plenty of theories and things people blame for Autism, yet to date, no single cause has been proven.

11. My child has Asperger’s Syndrome, he’s on the Autism Spectrum. He doesn’t need saving. He needs to be happy. Live up to his amazing potential. In that way, he’s the same as every other child.

12. Finding out my son had Autism didn’t change anything, I loved him just as much as ever.

13. Some people see my son as someone to be pitied, or mocked, or bullied, or judged, or labelled, or ignored. If some people took off their intolerance goggles they’d see who people really are.autism9

14. Autism used to terrify me, now I see that’s it’s different, not bad or scary or less, just different. Who ever said different was awful? Neurodiversity Now!!!

15. When something or someone is hurting our children we could easily be angry, sad, frustrated, depressed, look for reasons, excuses or someone to blame. Instead we need to focus on helping our children and finding the real cause.

So on this day and others, remember, Autism is just a word, the real story is in each child and who they really are.autism5

 

Author:

Very me

31 thoughts on “15 Things I’m Aware of on World Autism Awareness Day”

  2. This is all so true and you get right to the point. I will be reblogging on my site because so many people know so little about autism. Thank you for this piece.

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  4. wow, I never heard of the ‘mock funeral’ that is a creepy ego trip indeed. my son has autism as well. he is fourteen now and was diagnosed when he was 2 and a half.

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  7. A beautiful post, I have a number of students who have Autism in my classes. As you say, there is nothing wrong with being different. Diversity makes the world interesting, we are all different, some of us just reveal it more. People who have Autism are like all people; funny, grumpy, intense, focused, unfocused, obsessed, experts, happy, sad, clever. I think if we look, we can find all of these traits in ourselves. I have two young men with Asperger’s syndrome who come to class every Tuesday. Steven is the one to ask if we need to know how to get somewhere on public transport. He knows every train, tram and bus route in Melbourne. If anyone in the class, including me, has any computer issues, we turn to Ben our computer whiz. These young men are a joy.

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    1. It’s lovely when people understand, hopefully as time goes on more people will. My son is like Ben with computers and he has an amazing memory, if you want to know when something happened, who said what, etc., he knows. Thanks for dropping by. Thank you for the kind words. 🙂

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  8. 15 THINGS I’M AWARE OF ON WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
    It’s so nice to know that they have a day for this. So many children now have autism. It’s
    a great time to learn more about it.

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  9. D. Parker, Thanks for the “Like” on my “Disaster” post on my “Excuse Us For Living” website. “Awesome on Autism”! As a retired teacher & principal supervising Special Ed. classes, I appreciate what you have done here! Neat website! Phil

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  11. My friend had a son with autism and he was a brilliant musician. Luckily the vicar of his local church had an open mind, turned down a conventional organist, and instead chose my friend’s son. Not a wholly popular move but the passion this young man brought to his organ music was inspirational. Sadly he died of cancer quite young but an artist created a beautiful painting in his memory. Years ago I also worked for an organisation involved in care for the intellectually handicapped and I always remember the son of a member running up to me, hugging my knees, staring blissfully into my face (I was a total stranger then) and saying happily: “I love you!”. One of life’s bestest moments!

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  12. Hi there, You’ve done an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends.

    I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

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  14. Hardest part of being a mom is seeing what our children are going through and not being able to take their place! Especially if your child has special challenges. Very painful.

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    1. It is very difficult, Jan. I also find it hard not to just do things that would make his life easier, because I know it’s better for him to learn things himself and do things himself. 🙂

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