Autism Awareness Takes More Than “Awareness”

Autism. It’s the undeniable – though oftentimes invisible – issue a lot of folks are programmed with. It isn’t something that manifests itself like chicken pox in full breakout or a broken leg casted from ankle to hip.

Some people struggle with that.

It’s pretty cliche, but if I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard the words “he doesn’t look like there’s anything wrong with him,” I’d be buying the thick-sliced beef bologna instead of the chicken lips skinny slices. 
I decided to share some of the other phrases lacking intellectual and/or empathetic fortitude that have been thrown our way and demonstrate the lack of real awareness on this Autism Awareness Day. 

In no particular order, here we go…

“I could take care of that attitude if I had him for about a week.” (A couple friends and a couple family members) 

“He’d eat that if he were hungry enough.” (A family member with no clue about sensory issues) 

“I’d bust his a$$. That would fix it.” (A family member) 

“I don’t think he really has seizures. I think he’s making that up.” (A teacher after being told sometimes the numbers on math worksheets were blurring together…a diagnosis of full-blown epilepsy came days later from the chief pediatric neurologist at U of L) Side note: Many folks on the spectrum have epilepsy.

“He has a 504?” (A teacher after being completely demeaning about some work…due to delayed psychomotor ability)

“The teachers don’t need to meet with you. I’ve already told them everything they need to know about autism.” (The administrator managing a homebound stint) 

“If you’re going to keep acting like that, we are going to just stop coming over because we can’t handle it.”(A family member) 

“Why can’t he just be normal?” (A family member) 

“His intellect is superior, so there is nothing we can do to help him.” (A director of special education) 

There are plenty more, but I think you get the point. 

Despite the global efforts to bring understanding, the awareness efforts haven’t changed the opinions of people who refuse to see the amazing parts of this special population. In our home, we treat autism like any other obstacle: we just tackle it head-on. 

Here’s how I look at it—
If you have a diabetic child, you make lifestyle modifications to accommodate the needs of that child. Cupcakes aren’t a main food group. If meds are needed, they are given. When environmental issues cause highs or lows, you adjust. You look for the subtleties that only you can look for, and you navigate the waters. 

We know our limits here and don’t push them often. The idea of throwing people in the deep end of the pool to get them to swim doesn’t always work, if you get my meaning. If we know situations will escalate us, we avoid them when possible. If we can’t avoid those moments, we do a lot of prep work and get out of Dodge as quickly as possible…and oftentimes get a Blizzard as a reward for making it through. (Everyone loves an incentive from time to time.) We do what we have to do. Period. 

On this Autism Awareness Day, I hope that more people will shift into a meet-people-where-they-are mindset. No two individuals are alike. God highlights different giftedness in each person on purpose. Wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if folks would acknowledge that? 

Gosh, how thankful I am for the people who see my special someone’s value and don’t demean him. Those people have more than “awareness.” They have pure love and respect for my kiddo. 

Just a little thinking from the sink today…
…until next time…