Knowledge Is Power: Autism Awareness Month
Knowledge gives us the ability to survive and thrive in the world.
Knowledge offers freedom, and you can’t have real power without freedom. Knowledge gives us the ability to make better decisions. It also helps us to decide the logical and ethical grounds on which to make our decisions.
When I began the autism journey with my son Joseph, I decided to speak about anything and everything I learned about autism to help my son.
I am not sure if it was because I am an educator or if this is just part of my personality, but I was able to see the big picture. Either way, I have continued teaching, speaking, and sharing knowledge that I have acquired over these past 20 plus years.
I was called out and judged because early on our journey I was on the front page of our local newspaper with my son. The story was about the value of sharing knowledge, hope, and supporting anyone who was on the autism journey. This was our first support group in our small rural town.
Why was I judged?
I believe that some folks felt that I was not giving Joseph a chance to thrive because I was labeling him. Other parents feared that their child would not make friends and would be made fun of because they were different. So, they tried to keep their child's diagnosis confidential. I on the other hand felt that my child was different and if others could understand him and ASD, it was win-win-win-win.
Wins:
It was a win for Joseph because I think he is extraordinary, and if given the opportunity to shine, he would, and he does.
It was a win for our school and community to learn because more children would be diagnosed with autism. If more people could learn more about autism then perhaps other children would be given an opportunity to shine, because they are extraordinary.
It was a win for other parents to accept and release their fears of what others thought of their children. When parents release their fears of the future, they can embrace and enjoy their extraordinary child.
It was a win for society because if we can spread knowledge about autism then we can have an inclusive society. This will give people with ASD opportunities to shine because they are extraordinary.
Along our autism journey, there were teachers who gave Joseph the opportunities to shine because they understood that there was more to my son than his struggles.
They understood that if they adjusted their teaching methods with the knowledge they acquired about ASD then they were making a difference—a difference for my child, other children, and our society as a whole.
Our children grow up and need a place in society to be valued like all human beings do. So, I would encourage all of us to have as many conversations about living with ASD as possible.
The more we share our stories and offer knowledge, the more we are making a difference in our society. Let's come together not only for the month of April but each and every day to give opportunities for our children to shine their light.
If you are not sure how you can promote awareness for autism then here are some simple ideas to get you started.
Autism Awareness:
If you do not have a local support group for parents, begin one. This offers parents a place to come together in a safe space to help each other.
Find opportunities in your community to share knowledge about how to include ASD kids. It can be very small ideas. For example, Joseph loves the arts, so he was part of our community theater.
Offer as many teachers strategies to help your child and other children with ASD.
If you have a grown child, help encourage the workforce to make accommodations for adult employees with ASD.
Have as many conversations in as many ways as you can to bring autism awareness to create an inclusive society.
I want to end with a quote from our book Mother’s Guide Through Autism:
“Autism gives us an opportunity to view life in the most extraordinary way.”
I believe this with all my heart. I look forward to all the beautiful conversations.
Happy Autism Awareness Month!
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The days following hearing the words “Joseph is autistic,” were some of my darkest days. I was living with the deepest pain I had felt in my 32 years of life. It was my first life tsunami. I didn’t know the way out to find the light. It felt like instantly being lost and not knowing which way to go.