Dear Neuro-Typical Adults,
Imagine if you will, 2 children. Child A is a boy, say around 7 years old. Child B is girl about 6 years of age. They have a lot of similarities. Both of them have sparkling blue eyes and blonde hair. Both can read, write, play, love, laugh, and cry. They both have fun and play, they both sometimes need time to themselves. What differences can you find just by looking at them?
I assume you would say something like, "One is a boy, the other is a girl. One is taller or heavier. One is wearing black while the other is wearing green." Perhaps maybe you noticed that one might be older than the other. Those things are all true. But look at them, really look.
Imagine if you will, 2 children. Child A is a boy, say around 7 years old. Child B is girl about 6 years of age. They have a lot of similarities. Both of them have sparkling blue eyes and blonde hair. Both can read, write, play, love, laugh, and cry. They both have fun and play, they both sometimes need time to themselves. What differences can you find just by looking at them?
I assume you would say something like, "One is a boy, the other is a girl. One is taller or heavier. One is wearing black while the other is wearing green." Perhaps maybe you noticed that one might be older than the other. Those things are all true. But look at them, really look.
Can you tell me which one has Autism?
Can you tell me which one has trouble regulating their own body? Would you be able to tell me which one has fine motor delay? I bet you can't figure out which one has sensitivity to loud noises & touching or which of them has trouble sitting still? Which of them is shy and doesn't do well with strangers or strange places? Who has trouble falling asleep because they're pacing across the room for 2-2 1/2 hours each night?
Were you able to figure out which one of them has Autism just by looking at them?
While they both look similar, it does not mean they are the same. So just stop; stop trying to make special needs children "act normal." They are different but not less. They are already trying; hard, to fit in and do not need you correcting their every move. Don't yell at the them. Don't embarrass them. Don't make them feel any different than they already do. Let them be kids. Let them regulate themselves the way they know how. Let them be the special people they were meant to be. Stop trying to change them. There is nothing to change. All you are doing is frustrating them, yourselves, and most importantly their mom.
And if you have the unfortunate luck of saying something condescending to my child while I am standing there, well, don't say I didn't warn you.
Oh, and if you are still wandering which one of these beautiful children have Autism; it doesn't really matter. They are perfect just the way they are.
Signed,
One Angry Autism Mom
It couldn't have been said any better. Autistic children are the way that they are because that is the way that God made them. He has a special purpose for them. Everybody, just LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!! Oh, and DON'T get me started either!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful stuff, as usual!
DeleteThank you xoxo
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