Raising Awareness and Sharing Personal Stories about Autism
The concept of having a child with autism is usually misconceived, and raising two boys with different levels of autism was quite an experience to live through. Being a mother of two sons, one aged 12 with a 37-degree level of autism and the other 6 years old at a more serious degree of 49, I have witnessed people’s misconceptions about autism. This blog is a space where I talk about the highs and the lows, main lessons learned that I feel can help other families, and education, as many are unaware what it is like to live with autism.
A Heartbreaking Moment: When My Son Faced Misunderstanding
Once while we were on a trip with family my younger son had one of his meltdowns. As a person with BPD, I am no stranger to these moments that scare people who are unaware and uneducated. The example from this week was as I opened my son ran across the playground at a couple and touched the woman with both hands. He was from his depths and wanted someone to hold him. But not the couple, they reacted with silent rage, obviously offended and thinking that my child was being ugly or undisciplined. That broke my heart because it was something that I have experienced more than once. Never before did I feel as much was required from society to understand what autism is like.
What Is Autism? A Spectrum, Not a Definition
Autism, which is less accurately known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. With consequences as diverse in type and intensity of social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties among those it affects. To my 12-year-old, autism is an unobtrusive force. His social interactions are limited, but he processes his emotions more than she does. To my 6-year-old, on the other hand, autism is an ever-present wild card that impacts his communication and comprehension as well as his relationship to everything he encounters in life. He has meltdowns often, and many times in public that can lead to people looking at us as if they have never seen a child act like mine before.
Autism and Public Perception: Why Understanding Is Essential
Their reaction that day was not peculiar, actually quite common for many parents whose children have autism. So many people don’t understand that touching or running up to others is not an act of aggression or poor manners; rather, it is many times a way autistic children try to make sense of their overwhelming world. Not every person with autism looks the same, and that is exactly why awareness about autism is critical. The more people know, the more compassionate and patient they can be.
Building Awareness Around Autism
Understanding is acceptance so to promote autism education in the community is also beneficial. A few things that people need to know are;
Autism is a Spectrum: Autism presents itself with varying degrees of involvement and everyone will have their own set of gifts and challenges in life.
Tantrums are deliberate and manipulative, meltdowns come from sensory overload and usually can’t be helped.
This is not to mention just as there are autistic versions of love and other feelings, bit this all too easy to forget, given how we live in a society that insists on equating conformity with the emotional range by which all beings can experience those things.
By spreading knowledge about autism, we can make the world a safer and more understanding place for our children.
Supporting Families of Autistic Children
Support systems are everything for families like my own. No doubt that parenting two children with autism is HARD WORK, but when you have resources and the heart of those willing to listen, it makes a difference. Whilst I share through this blog my story is not just for me, it’s to allow other parents and carers (and importantly potential employers) know you are supported & that THEY ARE NOT ALONE.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues
Autism will always be a part of my family’s life, but it doesn’t define us. It has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of advocacy. I hope this blog will help other parents navigate their journeys and open the door to greater autism awareness in society. Understanding autism is a vital step toward building a more compassionate world.
Curious to learn more about my journey and how this blog can support families living with autism? Discover more about our mission here.
For more detailed information on autism and early signs to watch for, visit the CDC’s Autism Information page.