As I think back to last year at this time, I think back to myself and my husband- the parents who had just received their child’s autism diagnosis. More specifically, I recall being completely lost and in denial of my son’s new diagnosis. Upon learning this about Colton, I bought every book and watched every show or documentary related to autism that I could find. While I struggled with our new reality, I tried my hardest to become an expert in autism. It was what I thought my son needed. However, I soon started to become very overwhelmed.
I found the need to escape a bit from my research, I did what a lot of people do nowadays: I scrolled though social media. To my surprise, my escape became one of my greatest tools.
As I scrolled through social media, I found that April is an important month for members of the Autism community. It is an opportunity to bring awareness, push for inclusion, and call for action. April is a time when the voices in this community, even the AAC driven ones, are louder than ever. I found individuals with Autism sharing their personal journeys. I found parents of children sharing their accomplishments as well as their tough times. I found educators and providers willing to be a resource. I found a network of support.
The stories that I read and listened to gave me hope. I learned that it was okay to not be okay. I learned that no journey will be the same for individuals within this community. Most importantly, I learned that I did not need to be an expert in autism; rather, I learned to be an expert in my son.
Colt has allowed us to learn. Colt has allowed us to grow. Colt has changed us. He is the strongest, smartest, toughest, bravest, most driven and most stubborn (in a good way) kid I know. I wouldn’t change it for the world. We are blessed he chose us!
There are days where I wish I could snap my fingers and make everything perfect for him. However, one thing I have learned is that there is no perfect and I can’t fix everything- no matter how hard I try.
Colt has made so much progress and I am so proud of him. I would be lying if I said everyday was perfect and without worry. The reality is I worry all day, every day. I worry more now than I have ever worried before. This is a reality of autism. So on tough days, I have to remind myself that our circumstance is not our conclusion. It is an opportunity for growth for us.
So on the days where it is a bit more tough, we snuggle, we cuddle and we hug a little tighter. We do whatever it takes to get that smile. We make the not so perfect times become our perfect.
For those not part of the Autism community:
- I challenge you to learn about autism-not to make assumptions.
- I challenge you to ask questions- I’m an open book!
- I challenge you to open your hearts and minds to inclusion-you don’t realize the lack of inclusion until you are not included.
For those that are part of the Autism community:
- I challenge you to share your story- I guarantee you it will change someone’s life.
- I challenge you to be an example for those new or willing to learn about this community.
- I challenge you to share what is on your heart and your mind.
No matter who you are or what brought you to read this blog, I challenge you to do these things every day and not just during the month of April.
A little bit can go a long way and can change someone’s life more than you may even realize. You may see autism awareness reflected in the colors of blue, red, or gold. You may connect best with a puzzle piece, a rainbow, or an infinity symbol. No matter how you identify, please know that your words and your story of strength, advocacy, and the continued push for inclusion matter, today and everyday!
As I think back to last year at this time, I think back to myself and my husband- the parents who had just received their child’s autism diagnosis. More specifically, I recall myself- the mother who was completely lost and in denial of her son’s new diagnosis. Upon learning this about Colton, I bought every book and watched every show or documentary related to autism that I could find. White I struggled with our new reality, I tried my hardest to become an expert in autism. It was what I thought my son needed. However, I soon started to become very overwhelmed.
I found the need to escape a bit from my research, I did what a lot of people do nowadays: I scrolled though social media. To my surprise, my escape became one of my greatest tools.
As I scrolled through social media, I found that April is an important month for members of the Autism community. It is an opportunity to bring awareness, push for inclusion, and call for action. April is a time when the voices in this community, even the AAC driven ones, are louder than ever. I found individuals with Autism sharing their personal journeys. I found parents of children sharing their accomplishments as well as their tough times. I found educators and providers willing to be a resource. I found a network of support.
The stories that I read and listened to gave me hope. I learned that it was okay to not be okay. I learned that no journey will be the same for individuals within this community. Most importantly, I learned that I did not need to be an expert in autism; rather, I learned to be an expert in my son. As hard as it was to grasp the new reality for our family, I continued to imagine that daily struggles my son experienced and could not tell us.
Colt has allowed us to learn. Colt has allowed us to grow. Colt has changed us. He is the strongest, smartest, toughest, bravest, most driven and most stubborn (in a good way) kid I know. I wouldn’t change it for the world. We are blessed he chose us!
There are days where I wish I could snap my fingers and make everything perfect for him. However, one thing I have learned is that there is no perfect and I can’t fix everything- no matter how hard I try.
Colt has made so much progress and I am so proud of him. I would be lying if I said everyday was perfect and without worry. The reality is I worry all day, every day. I worry more now than I have ever worried before. This is a reality of autism. So on tough days, I have to remind myself that our circumstance is not our conclusion. It is an opportunity for growth for us.
So on the days where it is a bit more tough, we snuggle, we cuddle and we hug a little tighter. We do whatever it takes to get that smile. We make the not so perfect times become our perfect.
- I challenge you this month to learn about autism-not to make assumptions.
- I challenge you to ask questions- I’m an open book!
- I challenge you to open your hearts and minds to inclusion-you don’t realize the lack of inclusion until you are not included.
For those that are part of the Autism community:
- I challenge you to share your story- I guarantee you it will change someone’s life.
- I challenge you to be an example for those new or willing to learn about this community.
- I challenge you to share what is on your heart and your mind.
No matter who you are or what brought you to read this blog, I challenge you to do these things every day and not just during the month of April.
A little bit can go a long way and can change someone’s life more than you may even realize. You may see autism awareness reflected in the colors of blue, red, or gold. You may connect best with a puzzle piece, a rainbow, or an infinity symbol. No matter how you identify, please know that your words and your story of strength, advocacy, and the continued push for inclusion matter, today and everyday!
- LINKED Together - August 24, 2023
- LINKED - June 17, 2023
- Guiding Light - April 27, 2023
