As many know that have a child or know a child with autism that April is Autism Awareness Month. My first thought was how can I spread more awareness about autism, and my first thought was how thankful I am for the people that God has lead us to. We are so thankful for the school teachers, speech/occupational therapist, ABA therapist, and play therapist that have helped to make such a strong impact in our son’s life.
Not only are they helping Luke, but they are helping us as parents by being there to talk with, to cry with, and to listen. When we have concerns and questions they are there to “teach” us on what is the best way to help Luke at home and to help us with ideas that work for Luke’s needs and wants. Thanks for helping our child to become all that he can be and will be!!!!
These special people are truly a gift from God. The knowledge to educate our children the way they learn is remarkable. Each individual child learns differently and at their own unique pace. We are so blessed to have these therapist that know what way is the best way to teach our child.
Getting a autism diagnosis is not easy in fact we were sad, lonely, worried, and scared. The people that we have met along this journey has been remarkable! I know that God places these special people in our path to help us through the tough times in life.
Not only the people that we meet through therapist, or doctors, but just listening and finding other autism moms out there that “get it.” I have met the sweetest moms and dads that I would have never found if we were not following this same path. To the moms and dads out there I congratulate you on all that you do, and that you never stop for one minute to be the voice that your child needs. Thanks for all the tips, and advice that have helped us with Luke. I can not thank you enough! My advise to parents of newly diagnosed children with autism is to get in touch with your local autism chapter so you can connect with other parents, or join a Autism Facebook group in your area. The best “therapy” a parent can have is another parent that understands and has the same questions as you. Joining a local group is great as well so you can have play dates and plan other outings with families.
To our family, friends, and our church family, that have never left our side! I do not know where to even begin but just know that we could not have done this without you!!! Your compassion, prayers, and love was felt for us especially during the time we knew something was different about Luke. You were there when I needed a shoulder to cry on, and to talk to. I can remember how lonely I felt because I had no idea why our son had stopped talking. It was scary. It was painful to watch our son fall into the world of autism.
For all the prayers, long talks, for helping to babysit when needed, or taking us to various doctor’s appointments. The list could go on and on forever. To the endless stimming, screaming, clapping and banging, you were there. You would help us when you could with no questions asked. You have been there through thick and thin, and have always accepted Luke for who he was and cheered him on. To us you are our Hero in the dark, and I thank God everyday for you all.
For us autism was a brand new world for us, because we knew no one that had autism. I had read a few articles about autism in a mom/parent magazine during my pregnancies but never really knew how different the world for an autist child was. The spectrum is so long and diverse which makes every child a unique individual and not a disease.
For me autism acceptance does not matter what color or symbol you use. I know they have been a lot of controversy over the puzzle piece or color used. To me use the symbol that means the most to you and your family and what autism means to you. The most important thing is letting others know about autism and the challenges that most people on the spectrum face everyday.
Be Kind!! I can not stress this enough. Always be kind and not judge when you see someone in the grocery store with their child and they are having a melt down, or if a child is vocal stimming non stop. Don’t judge the parents as to what they need to do, be kind by maybe just saying a polite word to them or just a smile. You may never know how much that may mean to them, because parenting a child with autism is NOT easy, parenting itself is not easy.
I will never forget one time at a local restaurant when out of the blue Luke just decided he would grab a biscuit out of a person’s plate while passing a table. We apologized over and over and they said not to worry about it. This was not the only time this happened either lol, and we have always offered to buy them another plate but they say no it will be ok. Another time we were all eating at a restaurant and the whole time seemed to be a noisy, crazy time for all of us. Then this lady passed our table on the way out the door and said you are an awesome mom and you are doing a great job! I almost cried right there. She will never know how much that meant to hear those words!
I hope that I can help spread autism awareness by letting others know the struggles that families have after getting a autism diagnosis. I live in a rural area and getting therapy for a newly diagnosed child with autism is nearly impossible. We did have the CDSA (Children’s Developmental Services) that helped us to get speech, and play therapy which were only a few hours a week. This is great for a child with a few developmental delays, but with our child, in our case (Severe Autism), that is NOT enough therapy. Autism Awareness needs to be spread that our children are not offered the therapy they DERSERVE and NEED!
In my opinion ABA therapy is the most effective therapy but finding ABA therapy in our area was impossible. The closest ABA therapy center was over 2 hours away from where we lived. I did research, called places asking to get services in our area. Every time I was back at square one, nothing to offer my child or if I could possibly get him into one of the ABA centers they would be a long waiting list. Also, getting insurance to pay for ABA therapy was another loop hole to go through. Families with newly diagnosed children have enough to go through without having to worry about getting therapy that is needed and how they will pay for it.
We were so blessed that a ABA therapy clinic finally opened an hour away from our house. A friend of mine in our autism group had told me about the clinic and she took her son there too. We had our first visit and after visiting the clinic I knew this is where Luke needed to be. With a lot of adjustments we decided to make the leap and drive an hour away from our house for ABA services and I would just stay there all day until his session was done. We did this for 3 days a week which was very exhausting but well worth it!!! Thanks to my boss for letting me adjust my work hours, and to a very supportive husband, mom and dad who could watch our older son until I got home on those days. I could never thank you enough!! Now thanks to God and a lot of praying we now how ABA therapy in our home 4 days a week which has been a game changer for sure! Luke has made so much progress with being able to get more hours of therapy!!
As we come together though autism walks, community fundraisers, we need to not forget the people that help to teach our children and for the support of our family and friends. I just want people to know that autism needs to be accepted not ignored. Autism needs to be taught and educated, it is not about being broken or different it is about being accepted. Each person is unique, special, a blessing and a gift from God. They light up a darkened world and open our eyes to a whole new world. I am posting this on the last day of April, but we need to spread autism awareness all year with kindness and love.
He is unique, he is our life, we are his voice!
