Election Day and Autism…
For years, I took Matthew to the polls with me on Election Day. At the beginning, I brought him because as a single mom it was out of necessity but then I realized the importance and value of him watching me vote, and not just every 4 years but to all elections; primaries, local and national elections. Some years were quick easy in and outs and some we’re painful waiting in long lines being asked “when is it going to be our turn mommy” every 2 minutes. The point is… I took him!
It all culminated with Matthew’s deep desire to exercise his right to share his voice. He shared at the polls with me today to vote equals pride “to be an American” and disabilities do not diminish their ability “to be an American”.
Having Autism doesn’t mean individuals don’t know and see what is going on in this country, nor does it keep them from knowing right from wrong. Individuals with autism see and hear more than you think, they know when someone is being treated wrongly, they may not always identify that in themselves, but they see it.
Take the time to discuss with your children with and without disabilities the importance of voting. Take them with you to see what doing your civic duty looks like. You have the ability to shape the next generation of voters… which direction do you want them to take with our country?
