Raising Autism Awareness: Struggles And Accomplishments

     In order to raise Autism Awareness I need to help people understand the everyday difficulties as well as the greatest accomplishments. When people hear Autism they immediately think its a bad thing. They always make nonsense comments like" Oh but they don't look like they have autism." Or they say "he/she will out grow it." So with that always being said I thought  the right thing to do was to write a blog about what it is like to raise an autistic child so people can see its not a life sentence and that every child deserves understanding and acceptance.
      When my daughter started Early Intervention at 27 months she was so behind her age level it was going to take a lot of intervention. She didn't know how to point, she was nonverbal and didn't understand any verbal commands. Its very difficult on a parent when they want their child to learn but they struggle. Most autistic kids cant do the same things like every other kid. There are sensory issues for a child with autism so that means most kids cant go places where there are loud noises or flashing lights. A day out for an autistic child is not just grab the coat and go. It has to be planned and we have to make sure we have snacks, and toys that comfort them to try to prevent a meltdown.
     There are days of happiness, and joy. For us autistic parents the littlest accomplishments are ALWAYS the biggest accomplishments. We all are thrilled to see our kids progress and its the greatest feeling in the world. When we see our child point to something they want we are overwhelmed with happiness. When we see our child trying to be social with other kids we are  overwhelmed with happiness. Our children are different yes, but never less. Our children can learn and will be a success it just might take them a little longer to understand.
  So this blog is to let people know that an autistic child or any child with a disability are special, intelligent, beautiful, unique, awesome and most of all loving. In order to understand, questions have to be asked instead of assuming. I'm sure I am not the only parent who wouldn't be happy to have someone ask me questions about autism. The more questions and understanding of autism will help us raise awareness.