April brings us Autism Acceptance month, it is also the official debut of my Kansas Autism Mom website! Thank you for taking the time to visit and reading my first blog!
What is Autism Acceptance? Well it’s what you would expect; it’s being accepting of those with Autism and inviting them into your friendship circles. You may not realize it, but I imagine you interact daily/weekly with an individual(s) on the Autism spectrum. For an individual with Autism they just want to be included, in all experiences, some may be difficult for them, but they want to feel that they are part of a group and have friends.
For parents, we want what every parent wants, that our child is accepted like all children; we want family and friends to accept our new journey without skepticism or hurtful comments. I know people don’t mean to say these comments or even understand that they are hurtful. Educate yourself… Take some time this month to learn about the Autism Spectrum Disorder, go to my resources page for links, but please remember it is a spectrum and everyone with Autism is going to be different. Ask us if you don’t understand something. I would much rather be asked what could be an awkward question than hear a hurtful comment that wasn’t meant to be.
So what can you do for a friend or family member whose child was diagnosed with Autism? Offer a helping hand and/or a listening ear; small things make a world of difference.
Through my blog you will read about our journey, among other things, it wasn’t a journey I asked for, but it is a journey, that after time, I accepted and embraced. My journey continuously takes curves and new paths. When I learned of Matthew John’s diagnosis it was hard, I won’t lie, it rocked me to my core, it took time to accept, but after accepting it I began learning all I could about Autism, special education, therapies and services in Kansas. I began volunteering as a way to give back and continuing to learn; it was through these efforts that I realize I want to do more. I have seen and experienced where the state of Kansas is lacking to assist individuals with disabilities and I want an individual with any disability to have the life that makes them happy right here in Kansas. All lives look differently, but all have one goal in mind… happiness.
So what can I do? I can share our story; share local and national level information. I can provide guidance to families whether their child is newly diagnosed or they are transitioning in to a new phase in their life. As for this page it is still in development but… I hope you find it worth coming back to.
You can also find me on Twitter @ksautismmom or Facebook www.facebook.com/KSAutismMom