April is now one of my favorite months. Not for the weather or holidays, or the fact that we are getting ever closer to summer vacation. No, none of those things matter much anyway sine we are always on a continuum. April is Autism Awareness Month and the one month that we celebrate Autism. Now that I know I have an autist it is ever more important to get the word out and the understanding that people need in order to cohabitate the planet with these special people. I’ve known my oldest son is autistic since he was 7. He is now 11. There is so much to learn about this group and as a parent it so important to know who you are dealing with. My journey with my boy was rough from the time I realized he wasn’t really speaking much. He understood everything and could get what he wanted from me, but I started getting upset when he didn’t do the things I asked him to do. I took my frustration out on him and it wasn’t good parenting by any standard. I know I’m not alone in my reactions because I see it all the time with people dealing with my son. We get frustrated and we don’t understand why he is the way he is. He has taught me so much over the years about myself and what he helped me uncover wasn’t always pretty, but I also found a depth of love that I had never experienced until he was in the picture. An autist’s mind is like another world that only they can live in, they are beautiful creatures and come with so many gifts. It is our job to help them get to know their gifts, and where they lack by social standards, it is our job to guide them. It isn’t easy and my patience (what little I’ve found I possess) is tested daily, but it is worth it. My son is like a flower slowly unfolding and every day I grow to understand him and adore him more. No doubt he will have a rough road because so many people have their heads up their ass regarding anything that isn’t typical (no judgement really as I was one of those people). So go out into the world and befriend an autist. Let them open up your mind to greater things!
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Well said!