World Autism Awareness Month: April 2019

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I love the awareness that the month of April brings to my lovely existence in AUTISM-LAND! It is certainly my BIG PURPOSE on this earth; an on-going quest to educate others (and myself), advocate for more resources / support / understanding, share resources / ideas / stories / experiences, speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves: in all things Autism, and specifically in all things surrounding my daughter’s experience with Autism. I wouldn’t change her for the world, but I will change the world for her. This is my mission.

Last night, I asked Arizona what she felt about World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, annually). She said, “I feel like Autism is like a puzzle piece; it’s like an extension to my brain so I have a bigger brain than others. But just because I have Autism doesn’t mean I’m a mean person. I’m very nice. Occasionally, I can get mad and evil but I am extremely skilled at so much, for example I am one of the best artists at school, apart from Rachel, who’s Asian. And I’m Asian too, right mama?”

I love the way my child’s brain works. I will never take for granted her ability to verbally express herself (not always the case). Through the ups and downs, there is one thing that remains constant: I am grateful for the thriving relationship I have with my daughter.

To that end, my wish this year extends way beyond “just” awareness for this diagnosis of neuro-diversity that NOW currently affects 1 in 59 children. How about:

ACCEPTANCE

UNDERSTANDING

EMPOWERMENT

SUPPORT

VALUE

LOVE

INCLUSION

Can we just have this?

Looking forward to sharing a lot of gems (groups, ideas, events, books) this month and beyond. May our lives continue to be enhanced by the beauty of AUTISM.

What topics would you like to know more about? What would be helpful to share with your children / communities? What questions do you have for me as a parent of a child with special needs? What questions do you have for my 12 year old daughter with ASD?