April is Autism Awareness month.  As I have said before…this house is very aware.  We are aware of differences.  We have also become aware of a life that 1 in 50 families deals with on a daily basis.

This is our awareness…

The autism in our house:

Speaks the truth. Good or bad.
Seeks attention to the fullest.  Good or bad.
Is OCD about eating.
Can’t maintain a conversation.
Hates hair brushing.
Hates teeth brushing.
Loves water. (baths x2)
Can’t tie her shoe. 
Hates socks.
Loves dresses, hats, and shoes.
Is deathly afraid of rain, thunder, and lightening.
Is afraid of fireworks.
Loves Dora the Explorer.  (Still)
Will ask you your name 50 times in a row…just to hear you talk.
Loves boys. (yikes)
Has her period that she can’t take care of.
Wakes up at least 5 times a night.  
Watches kids play, yet sits at a distance.
Makes sure I don’t forget my keys, purse or coat when leaving.
Remembers every name, address, and phone number of people she meets.
Calls her brother, “Fred.”
Loves to make a list.
Loves American Girl dolls.  (Simply for the hair) (We’ve had at least 5)
Changes all the settings on my computer, iphone, ipad, and another other ithing we own.  (in a matter of seconds)
Loves the NFL.  (And can name all the QB’s)
Loves MLB.  
Loves NCAA Basketball.  
Needs to be home by 8 pm.  (or all hell breaks loose)
Won’t sleep until her mom is home.  (Whether that is 8 pm, or 3 am)
Loves her family.
Wants friends.

Desperately wants to be like everyone else.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea.   Be patient when dealing with children, and adults, with autism.

April is Autism Awareness Month.
We are aware.  It’s time you do.