The Element of the Unknown

I find strength and motivation every time I get an email from someone who has taken a few minutes to read my "rantings" and observations. I guess because it is the "Element of the Unknown" that I have discovered with Autism.

I am quite sure that any parent who has a "challenged" "disabled"or "special" child sees their abilities when others do not. Time and time again you have professionals who observe assess and comment on what they, or the entity they represent, "thinks" is the right choice or decision. More times than not we, as parents, come away from those meetings with malice in our hearts because we know that our kids are better than what "those" people think. {And of course if you are one of those professionals reading this,you probably think I am off my rocker and have a slanted opinion because I am prejudice--YOU are certainly entitled to your opinion but here I am RIGHT. AND PERHAPS YOU MIGHT LEARN SOME INSIGHT IF YOU CONTINUE TO READ THE REST OF THIS POST!}

I agree that they call it a disability or whatever "label" you want to give it because there are deficits. That our kids need special help and augmentation to navigate through life and our community. My opinion is that Autism is different than other challenges. That's not to say that other kids with other challenges don't have hope or abilities but what I know for a fact is that after living with Autism for 22 years I have observed and seen things that others with different diagnosis' have not.
Of course complicating that situation are people who have more than one diagnosis.{That's another subject all together}

This is what I think:Kids who have diagnosis of other disabilities have a more defined and researched "site map"! They have many more years of study and observation.Autism is still a New Frontier. Professionals will often say "oh he will never talk or he will never live independently"; they JUST DO NOT KNOW! They do not have the science or years of research to support those statements. I, however can say that being a mom 24/7--365, have seen many examples of abilities coming to fruition that I was told would not. When I refer to the "Element of the Unknown" I truly believe that Autism is particularly strange in that a neuropath can block an ability that the child or person has--! For example it might be said that a person cannot carry a conversation when in actuality they have the ability and motivation to have a conversation but the brain has manufactured a block or static that prevents the person from having a conversation. Essentially my point is that its not the inability to perform a task it is the bodies physicological make up that PREVENTS the person from performing the task.

It is not that the body has a deficit that is irretrievable or damaged beyond repair, it is more that its "in there" and how do you "fix" the body so you can allow it to recover?
Many respond with different diets or strategies that cleanse and purge the body and have been successful.
Many more have kids that don't respond to those strategies but they continue to search for what helps their child.Its a very individual disability.

TIME seems to be a benefit to us. Every day I see a baby step or a task performed that I never had seen before and I continue to hold out hope. I also make sure that the "nay-sayer" that told me it would never happen hears all about the progress. I feel it is our duty to continue to inform those who serve our kids.

What we as parents and caregivers of Autistic individuals have to remember is that we know our kids better than anyone else. We have to be diligent to keep educating others and looking for every opportunity to blend our kids in the community not only for their benefit but also for others to continue to learn, accept and include those in society who brings something a little different to the table!

APRIL is AUTISM AWARENESS month!
Go out and make others aware.
Most of all don't be afraid to try something new --
I have found volunteering has been a great place to start.
Usually they are happy to include everyone.