It is important to recognize autism as a disorder that is bursting at the seams. You may not realize that 1 in 10 children are born with autism.
What is autism? Let me personalize it for you. Autism is a child with no attention span often there is little ability to control emotions. A close friend Sally had twins who were more than busy toddlers. They rarely slept and often could be found during the early am hours literally climbing the walls of Sally’s home. Because of my background working with special needs children, I helped her while she went to endless appointments to get a diagnosis. For years my family and I would give her breaks to go grocery shop and nap. It would take my three children and myself to keep the twins entertained. I would have ten activities and a trip to the park and playground schedule for each visit. My 10-year-old son would need to take a nap after the twins went home.
Think of the parent who for years doesn’t know why their child is different; they just know there is something wrong. Think of a marriage and family where everyday life is stretched beyond normal bounds.
For years I was Andrew’s friend. For two hours per week I was his barometer. Andrew is a genius but he also has an anger level past most human beings. When Andrew as a ten year old would get mad, it could take five of us to contain him- Knowing his limits made it more comfortable for everyone. I was his distraction before he got angry. He never got angry at me but he would yell at the world while I looked on.My little friend Alana was in an obsessive mode. because of sexual abuse she would get stuck in replay often.
Needless to say autism covers a spectrum of challenges for the child and the parent. I don’t know how these children are now I do k ow they have each reached adulthood. There will admittedly be challenges to face as they must daily cope in a world that does not understand or welcome the world of autism.
This sad story may help the outside world realize how crucial support and community assistance is: I was attending a conference last year and meeting with a small group of writers. We all were writing about different aspects of special needs. I spoke about my heart breaking when I read a blog about a mom who had a gun to her head when here husband found her; She felt she couldn’t face autism. A mother with two autistic children pulled me aside and whispered ” a mother in my autism support group recently hung herself on her son’s physical therapy equipment. She could’t face the reality of everyday.”
Sobering??? Indeed. This is the month to become not only aware but proactive. Parents are doing all they can to cope and get help. Please look for ways to lend a hand; even an hour a week helping with the kids, making a meal… anything will speak volumes in the encouragement department.
