Did everyone know that there was such a thing as "World Autism Awareness Day"! Well, now ya know:) Perfect timing actually because I have been debating recently with this question: What is this autism thing all about?
I obviously watch Darren and feel like I know that kid inside and out. With the company I have been able to meet new children and see autism in a different light. It may sound strange, but I find autism fascinating. I am perplexed by it. I am intrigued with it. I am not sure how to deal with it.......but it's ok to me. There are some things in this world that you just can't understand...Autism is one of them. There are things in this world that you can't prove....Autism is one of those things. THAT is not what bothers me about Autism. It is the differences in each child that make me wonder what this is all about. How come there are kids that have words....like hundreds of words...and then lose them???????????? WHAT? How come there are kids that never have words??????????? How come there are kids that are really sick and have major digestive issues?????? How is it there are kids that don't have those issues?? Why is it that some have "conversational" speech ? Why can't the others? SERIOUSLY the spectrum is HUGE! Way too big as far as I am am concerned. I feel that in the long run....Autism will be broken down into MANY different categories:
Those who had speech and lost speech
Those with a large gap between receptive and expressive language
Those with no expressive language
Those with HIGH expressive language and no social skills
Those with some social skills and little expressive language
Those with extreme behaviors, yet are highly intelligent
HONESTLY...the list could go on and on and on. As every typically developing child differs....so does the autistic child. So I will from this point on...focus on what I know to be true.....from a personal perspective.
These children are a blessing. These children are so smart and intuitive.......even beyond our comprehension. They are sent here as a challenge and a gift. A challenge to the norm.... a gift for those with ability to be willing to accept. They are a reminder that life can be rewarding if you continue to fight. They are a blessing to those that take on the challenge...if you can love and provide structure for these kids......you will reap the benefits above and beyond your expectations. I believe that God gives you ONLY what you can handle......parents of children with special needs are given an assignment from the get go....not to say the everyone else at some point isn't given their "assignment" because I believe that everyone will experience a major life challenge. Special needs parents just get the advantage of knowing early on.
I, on this day of awareness, don't want anyone to feel sorry for Darren or our family. KNOW that he is a blessing in our lives. An unexplainable gift. I can not imagine my life without him. I can't imagine the person that I would be...or the person that Trevor would be without this remarkable child. In 5 years....he and I have learned SO much. I have been challenged more than ever....and I can't imagine it any other way. So I say, be aware, accept the differences in all children, and be supportive of those you love.
THANK YOU to all that have supported us. Thank for understanding that it hasn't been easy. Thank you for accepting us as is. Know that we appreciate you all!
