Yes, it’s Autism Awareness month. You should “Light It Up Blue”, for Autism Speaks, and do what you can to help out those who don’t know anything about Autism. I hate to sound cynical, but who doesn’t know about autism? I mean…we’ve all heard about it, and yes…some of us don’t know the details…but we’ve heard. I’VE HEARD IT…believe me. I am so sick of hearing about it…I am blue in the face (no pun intended). I’m tired of talking about it. I’m sick of dealing with it. I’m tired of listening to it. I’m sick of parenting it. I think you get my drift.
For those of you thinking about teaching autistic children, or working with autistic children, there is no one perfect definition of what autism is. Yes, we know the dictionary terminology, but I’m talking about what it means to be autistic. EVERY child is different. I can’t stress that enough. Phoebe is proof that “typical” autism theories, and strategies don’t always work for her. I’ve always said she has Phoebetism. She is super social, and sometimes inappropriate. (ok- lots of the time…inappropriate) She can talk you under the table, and work a computer, and an iPhone like no-one can. She has co-existing conditions, as some autistic children do. She has high anxiety, and serious impulsivity issues. Also, she wants constant attention, whether it be negative or positive. (And, not to mention the OCD, eating voraciously, and temper, temper, temper:) She can swear at the most inopportune moments and make you feel like the worst parent in the world. However, she doesn’t necessarily understand the meaning of what she’s saying, or doing, and sometimes she does. You assume she does and there lies the problem. I even assume she can do, say, or act a certain way…and then I am forced to realize this isn’t true. (sometimes the hard way)
As a mother of a child with autism, I have to be on my toes at all times. There isn’t down time when I’m with her. There are times I prepare for the worst, and she is the best…and then there are times I think she’ll be great, and the 2 hour meltdown takes place.
Don’t get me wrong, I can handle this autism/PDD-NOS/high functioning thing. I tell myself I can.
But, you should know when you talk to me…I am always aware of autism. ALWAYS.
It’s April, and I am AWARE of Autism….Now you should be. Go educate yourself, and make a difference.
Phoebe ASD World 