Hi, Everyone!

Today marks the beginning of Autism Awareness Month. All April long, subjects on Autism will be discussed from new developments in finding a 'cure' to chatting about loved ones with the disorder.

What do you know about Autism and are you acquainted with someone who has it?

Thanks for sharing this Empress and lets hope some of the flowers can drop in on this one...

Hi Empress

I know a few people who have autism - at different places on the spectrum.

My eldest son doesn't have Autism, but he has a number of behaviours that others have attributed to Autism (usually people who know autistic children) - almost as though they see someone who isn't 'normal' and make an assumption that it's autism. A classic I had was 'wow - he made eye contact'.

I've read some of the posts on your blog, and related to the 'why do they have to stare post'. We get that too. I want to cry inside whilst simultaneously wanting to say something sarcastic, whilst also explaining why my son behaves the way he does. I usually end up smiling and willing them to just accept that he is different.

So I can't relate totally with you, as I don't face the challenges you do, but I can relate to facing challenges with a child whom I love dearly, as you love ER.

Emma,

the disability doesn't matter, Girl. The fact that we understand where each other is coming from does. Oh, honey...I'm sorry you have dealt with the staring issue. :( It just tears us up inside, doesn't it? If people only understood. I do all that I can, but I feel like I'm only putting a small bandaid on a HUGE wound. Know what I mean?

Hey girls...

With my second autism was one of the possibilties thrown up but it wasnt the case and I am so grateful...
but we had similar issues mostly around behaviours and reactions..... i would tell my son when he would ask why people stare that they just have never a boy so handsome and wonderful as you... it must be how bright his auro is....
after a little while he believed it I showed him pictures of auros and clued my friends in they would comment sometimes at how much his auro was shining... one friend even left her sunglasses on after a rather nasty experience at the shops.... she said you are shining so bright today I'll have to leave my sunny's on or your hurt my eyes...
it help stopped him being self conscious and gave him some pride being differrent... his behaviour also improved when we where out, because I would tell him his auro shines the brightest when he being good... so he would do his best so it hurt starers eyes... he said that way they wouldnt forget not to stare... at people who are not the same as them...
got to love them......

aussie,

You're going through something I will never and that's my son being aware of others staring. That has to be twice as hard. But, you have found a WONDERFUL way for your son to deal with it. Huge hugs for that!

Hiya

Empress - thanks.

Aussie - same as Empress, I don't think my son is aware of others staring - or if he is aware of them looking he doesn't assume that they are 'staring'. Mike and I often say that he is probably the happiest boy in the world, as he seems not to notice the things we do.

This post has got me thinking - I get upset inside - not because I know what everyone who 'stares' is thinking, but because I think I know what they are thinking. I somehow think they are judging my boy, or me. That train of thought is not right. So - if I was in a shop, and another child with the same problems as my son walked in, I probably would look longer than most people, as I'd be thinking 'oh look, that child seems to have similar problems as my son' - then I'd want to say something, but probably wouldn't. I do sometimes, but it takes me a while to pluck up the courage. Meanwhile, the mother of that child could have got upset as she thought I was staring.

So - from now on, I resolve to assume that they are thinking like me - so even if they aren't, I'm thinking positive things at least!

Thanks Ladies... but I feel you girls are the ones who need the hugs.... the things you must endure.. and autistic kids can be so wonderful as well as challenging...
My lad thankfully will catch himself up... as his mind eventually reaches a point of adulthood... he runs at about 5 years behind now... so he is 19 but with the ability of a 14year old.. not fun all the hormones none of the understanding... he is getting there though... they think by time he reaches his mid to late twenties he will reached his late teens mentally so about where he should be now...
I will be watching a study which has just been announced in relation to antioxidents and increased nurone pathways and nervous systems etc... they are looking at it in various conditions including autism... As I hear anything whic may be of help I will let you know... it is an interesting but still in the early stages.....

Yes, I used to work as a social worker with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. But, I did not have the children...too much for my heart.

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