April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day
I'm embracing World Autism Day with a 'bang' of sorts... well, for me anyway. You see, after having spent a very long time reflecting, and trying to work out what best represents my family during this month, that is officially known as Autism Awareness month, I am here to share my thoughts. Now I know that my opinion may well differ to others, and I by no means speak for other families and individuals when I give my opinion, please understand this. But please also understand that this post has been a while coming, and will hopefully give you some insight as to how my family views autism in our lives.
I do believe that raising awareness is important, but not in the sense that we need to find cures or ways to combat this 'devastating' (cringe) disorder or 'illness' (cringe) or 'disease' (cringe even more). There are still great levels of misunderstanding in the community as to what autism actually is (only a week ago, I had a lady question me that a person with ASD could make eye contact) and I personally believe that awareness should focus on helping people understand and realize that autism is more than a young child sitting in the corner rocking. Autism is a SPECTRUM. And it's not just children who are autistic, as children inevitably grow into adults (with many of these adults entering the workforce, establishing relationships and even becoming parents with families of their own).
I also believe that promoting acceptance is a crucial element to any level of autism awareness campaigning. To truly value 'people' we need to love and accept them for exactly. who. they. are. And autism has it's value, don't ever doubt that. I know as I write this, that some people may disagree, but this is where I come from... and so be it... :) Autism is a part of me, and so I see it like this... if Autism is devalued, then a part of me is devalued. I believe that love and acceptance underpins any progress that we make in life. Sure we get angry at times, and we all do, but ultimately, acceptance is the place that we move forward from. And..... being. different. is. perfectly. okay.
And so too, I believe, that to really 'back up' the awareness and acceptance, support is what is needed... in our larger community, in what we provide our children, and in how we approach others around us. Families living with autism often require support like they need food, water and shelter. We hear heartbreaking stories in the media, and for many of us, these stories are real, or only a step or two away from the reality of what we face everyday. But please understand here that I'm not talking about the autism itself that is heartbreaking. I'm talking about the overall result... the experiences that come from the behaviours and the depleted sense of self worth that people on the autism spectrum have and display as a result of trying to manage in a world that doesn't fit them. It's the classic case of trying to put the square peg into the round hole. What I believe is needed, is for skills to be taught (so auties and aspies can gain a sense of independence, or manage the social world), and for resources to be made available (for communication, or to aid sensory processing, or for families to have a break from caregiving due to exhaustion from the stress that comes from helping their loved one manage the 'world out there') and for structures, systems and arrangements to be put into place to ensure that those on the spectrum can reach their full potential... and I mean, really thrive... because ultimately, isn't that what we want for everyone in this world?... to be happy?... and to be loved and accepted for who they are?... and to know self love... and self acceptance.....
So please, this April, think some more about Autism. Maybe even learn some more about Autism. And then maybe humor me :) and consider where awareness, acceptance and support can link hand in hand (and by all means, rally for it too!) xx
