Autism Awareness

My first brush with autism came when I was 18 and working at a daycare.  I had a little boy in my class who was autistic and he was a challenge.  He was a GOOD challenge though.  Most likely this was not the first time I had been around someone with autism, but it is the first time I was in close contact with someone diagnosed.  I don't remember the boy's name, but I remember his face, his smile, his frustration.  I will admit the first few weeks with him were challenging.  It didn't help that there were 20+ other kids in my care.  We were quickly able to come to an understanding with each other.  I started learning how to work with, and sometimes around, his needs. 

I now have a couple really amazing nephews that are autistic.  One is severly autistic, the other not so much.  We spent last weekend visiting family in Southern Utah.  Their second child is my severly autistic nephew.  I am amazed by him and his parents everytime I am with them.  His parents have done everything within their power to help him.  They have pushed for a diagnosis.  They have pushed for the proper therapies.  They work with him at home on a regular basis.  They are working on diet changes.  It is a constant challenge to care for him.  He is such a special kid and well worth the challenges.  He is getting to the point where his communication is getting better, where that frustration of not being able to talk is going down.  While there he came and snuggled up next to me.  He wanted my bread, but I'll take the snuggles!  His parents have found he has many food sensitivities, so they are taking those things out of his diet.  One of those things is regular bread and he wanted my toast.  So he snuggled, then said "You share!", as he reached for my bread.  I think that made my whole day!  I am hopeful for him and his family that he will continue to progress, that he will continue to learn to communicate.  Whether that communication will be verbal or electronic is yet to be seen.  However I am sure it will come!  It has not been an easy road for their family, but it is one that they will continue to forage through.

My other nephew is my newest nephew, gained through marriage.  He is a great kid!  He is a high functioning autistic child.  It has been really great for my kids to spend time with him.  He is teaching them patience, acceptance, and love.  His mom too constantly has to advocate for him, with school, with therapies. 

These sweet kids may not be like other children, but they are amazing!  I think often people hear the term autism and it scares them, they think of a child who cannot function.  Autism can be scary, especially when the diagnosis is given.  There is so much these kids have to offer.  So much that they have to teach us.  So much that they have to give.  It is up to US.  It is up to us to help them.  To learn from them.  To accept them.  To love them.  They will do all they can, they will give all they can, but it is up to us to let them into our lives and the lives of our children. 

April is Autism Awareness Month.  So take a moment, or two, or three and learn more about autism.  It is such a wide and varying condition.  If you know an autistic child, make the time to spend with them.  Get to know them a little better.  I guarantee that they will touch your life in a way you never saw coming.