A Challenge for Autism Acceptance

April is Autism Awareness Month and recently, new numbers about Autism diagnoses were brought to the forefront. Currently, 1 in 68 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder (CNN Health).

Our family lives it every day; our son Marky, now 11, was officially diagnosed with Autism at age 7. It is nice to have a month that everyone in this "group" can feel a little more supported and those not in it, a little more educated.  This "group" can be a little lonely and a little overwhelming at times. To help me be Marky's voice and the voice for all the other stars that can't, I ask that as parents, teachers or friends, you help us this month too.

Here’s what you can do...

Talk to your kids that do not have Autism and share with them the following information. By doing so, you will help move us toward what we are trying for every day - more acceptance.

• All of our brains work differently. Just because kids with Autism may not learn the same way does not mean they can't do it. 
• You may not know by looking at a child that they have Autism. There is not "one look."
• Many kids with Autism are concrete thinkers. Saying to our son "if you eat all those french fries you will turn into a potato" is confusing. He thinks he will and does not understand why or how.
• Language is tough for many kids with Autism, some do not speak at all, and many use their hands or even iPads to help them communicate. 
• Autistic kids can be really good at some things! Our son loves video games, another friend's son loves to play tag. There can be a common bond; try to find it and see that YOU can be a friend.
• Many kids with Autism may not look at you when you talk but they hear you. Be patient; our kids want to be your friend.
• It is easy to walk away and think, "that kid is weird." Be the one that wants to make a difference. We ALL do weird things. Look around at your "typical" friends - they have quirky habits too. 
• If everyone is not laughing, it may not be funny. Don't laugh AT, laugh with!

You know what else will happen by doing these things? YOU (the adults) will also learn and realize some of the simple things that we live every day and get us one step closer to our kids feeling accepted. Promise.