Our family lives with Autism every day, so having a month to spread awareness is easy! We know all about the highs and lows. We want nothing more than acceptance and awareness but at the same time, it can be tiring!
If you'd like to know what you can do to help this month ( and every month), talk to your friends, family, coworkers & students that do not have Autism, and let them know that:
~All of our brains work differently because kids with Autism may not learn it the same way does not mean they can’t do it.
~You may not know by looking at a child that they have Autism. There is no “one look”.
~Many kids with Autism are concrete thinkers. Saying to our son “if you eat all those french fries you will turn into a potato” is confusing.
~Language is tough for many kids with Autism, some do not speak at all, and many use their hands or even iPads to help them communicate.
~Having Autism doesn't prevent kids from enjoying some of the same things you like. Our son loves video games, another friend’s son loves to play tag. There can be a common bond, try to find it and see that YOU can be a friend.
~Many kids with Autism may not look at you when you talk but they hear you. Be patient, our kids want to be your friend.
~It is easy to walk away and think, “that kid is weird.” Be the one that wants to make a difference. We ALL do weird things. Look around at your “typical” friends – they have quirky things too.
~If everyone is not laughing, it may not be funny, don’t laugh AT, laugh with!
~As parents to special needs kids, we also struggle with guilt in a lot of what we do.
With acceptance comes moments of peace. As special needs parents, we truly are on a journey with unknown paths.
With your help, we are getting one step closer to what we are trying for every day – more acceptance, every day.
It is not just our children who yearn for acceptance, we do too!
Carissa
