Autism Month.

Autism Month.

💙 Given it’s our everyday, I lost track of my dates…April is here…Autism Awareness/Acceptance month is here.

I used to be excited that I had an excuse to share freely…now I feel it’s more and more critical in this upside down world we live in to not just share for “awareness” or “acceptance” but for tolerance, inclusion and understanding. There is a lot of “noise” and a lot of causes clamoring for attention these days.

I think about this a lot…probably more than I should. It doesn’t take much…a sideways glance, a raise of the eyebrows, an annoyed or condescending comment, being left out and written off-It throws me into the “what if’s” of my son’s future and stabs at my heart and soul so deeply.

I think until you have a special needs child, you don’t understand the depth of love or the extent of how fiercely you will protect them or go to the ends of the earth to make them happy…and constantly wonder who will take your place when you are no longer here.

I dream he will be productive and busy. He will be afforded dignity as well as grace to be who he is and to do what gives him joy. To know he won’t be taken advantage of and will not be considered a burden. That he will be accepted and be able to live in “his” world while being a part of “our” world. No one knows their number of days on this Earth…

I want you to know that he hates haircuts, doctors and the dentist but loves the wind and rain…and trains.

The beach is his most favorite place but don’t let him go too deep…and he will ask if there are jellyfish.

He has no fear of people and no sense of danger. Hold his hand in parking lots and in busy places.

Don’t make him fit into our world. Accept him for who he is…don’t scold him for being different.

He loves media but don’t let him have it for long. Set timers and clear expectations.

Cut his sandwiches down the middle and don’t mess with the “trued and true”…

Pay attention and listen with your whole heart, not just your ears. There is meaning behind the words and between the lines.

He puts everything in his mouth-and drinks a crazy amount of water!

He hates the self flushing toilets and loud hand dryers in public restrooms to the point of refusing to go…help him. Don’t let him suffer because of his fears.

Please help him brush his teeth and comb his hair. It hurts him when you comb his hair but he is so handsome.

Tell him you love him often-and when you do make him look you in the eye…especially at bedtime.

He loves a good tickle!

When he approaches you to tell you something, push everything aside and give him your full attention-don’t cut him short-try to keep him talking! Act like it is the most fascinating thing you’ve ever heard. Mirror his joy and relish in his authentic conversations.

When he is upset, hug and hold him tight. His emotions are scary and bigger than him. It gets ugly at times but stay the course. He doesn’t want to be upset and needs time to work through it.

He likes routine and super soft clothing. It takes some work to wear new clothes and change clothes with the seasons.

He is truly happy when you see that sideways grin that slowly opens to a big smile.

He can’t help himself sometimes…he knows he shouldn’t do some things and you can say it until you are blue in the face but he just can’t stop himself. Give him a warning but also give him grace. Impulse control is hard.

Explain things to him-don’t yell without explanation. Ask him questions. Make sure he understands in his own words.

I could write all day every day and still never be satisfied it’s enough or that anyone else is enough-I question if I am enough. Our life is not for the lazy nor for the faint of heart. But we love big, we choose our battles and we fight like hell for the future. 💙

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