It’s April, and that means Autism Month.
I will be posting my anual truth bombs and I won’t be celebrating autism. If that’s your thing, then go ahead choo choo train.
Read more on Smile If You’re Going To Stare!…
It’s April, and that means Autism Month.
I will be posting my anual truth bombs and I won’t be celebrating autism. If that’s your thing, then go ahead choo choo train.
Read more on Smile If You’re Going To Stare!…
Autism time! So this one requires a disclaimer. A lesson I’ve always tried to teach my daughter is “what’s the intention?” When someone says something hurtful, before you get mad or retaliate, examine the intent. 99% of autism responses are well-meaning! BUT, they might not feel that way to a parent. So here goes. When you’re asking someone that you don’t know well, how many kids they have? They respond 2, oh what are the ages? 22 and 20! *Here comes the specifics* -Daughter is oldest, working and schooling and youngest is 20. Where does he go to school? Is he working? Me: He has autism, but he’s living his best life. Now here’s the typical response: awwwww I’m sorry. Now I know there’s no ill-intention here. I know this, but it feels icky. It feels this way because, like most parents, I love the shit out of my kid and even though autism is an SOB and I wish he didn’t have to deal with some of the co-conditions and limitations that he does, I’m not one bit sorry he’s here. He is love and he is light and he is wonderful!! So I have some responses that will feel better to parents once they declare the big A.
1) Oh, well tell me a little about him
2) Well hopefully I’ll get to meet him and you can let me know the best way to chat with him.
3) I’m sure he’s as handsome as his mother. (My personal fav)
4) I hope I get the opportunity to meet him.
5) This is also a great opportunity to share your personal friends or family members that you love with Autism.
6) I’m sure it’s a challenge, but I’m sure he/she brings you great joy too!
7) What does he/she like to do??
Read more on Autism time! “What’s the intention?”…
My Mother gave me bracelet when I was 7 years old and I’m not sure I ever treasured a gift so much in my life. Inscribed on it was: Aries – Loving, kind and optimistic. I had to ask what optimistic meant and that word seemed very important, big and complicated. I was born on Good Friday in April and my Mother made me feel extra special for that. Now that I’m 51, I realize that in giving me that gift she convinced me that I was those things. I was loving, kind and optimistic. There’s nothing more powerful in the world than telling a child they possess wonderful characteristics. It was a prophecy for me to fulfill. I would say I’ve lived my entire life proud of my ability to truly be OPTIMISTIC. To see the glass half full, to turn lemons into lemonade and to always carpe diem my day regardless of how it’s handed to me. There’s my brag in all its glory. Happy to share all my faults and shortcomings at a later date.
Read more on Seizures and my son.This Wonder Woman’s Truth…
Editor’s Note- Lisa Ann is an amazing mom, friend and Autism Warrior, when she reached out to ask if she could write to share this lesson, I had mixed feelings, the first was joy, as I have wanted her words to be a part of KNOWDifferent for a long time. The next emotion was sadness, sadness that a family had this happen in the town we live in, by people we could know and it easily could have been me and my family. I am turning my sadness into deeper commitment. I am not going away, I will fight with all my words to get our kids accepted and safe. With warriors like Lisa Ann – there will be NO stopping us.
Read more on Is Compassion On Your Menu?…