Today is World Autism Awareness Day. For those of you who do not know, I have a brilliant, beautiful, amazing 6 year old son named Michael Santino. He is super sweet. He makes me smile larger and laugh harder than anyone or anything in this world. Also, he has ASD. What does that mean? He's "on the spectrum." ??? I Have A High Functioning Autistic Child. And honest to God, I wouldn't change a hair on his head. But, when out and about, I know there are quirks about him that make others uneasy. They don't really understand. And the worst thing is that I think he's beginning to realize he is different too. And people, different is NOT bad. Different is not defective. The other day, Michael had another of his panic attacks and he was worried about what would happen if mama and daddy died. "I'm not a man yet. I don't know how to cook. And I don't know how to drive." And I tried to reassure him that Mama and Daddy would not die anytime soon and before then, we would teach him how to drive and how to cook. He would be a man before he needed to worry about any of that. But, he had another concern that was harder to address. "But, mama, I'll be so lonely." For me, Autism Awareness is about making sure that my son isn't lonely - that there is a world of people out there that can understand and accept his differences, and maybe even love him for them. Thanks for reading.
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ReplyDeleteWe love you, Michael!! No matter what happens, you will always have family behind you!! I always tell my girls "Friends come and go, but family will always be here."
ReplyDeleteOur society has come a long way with accepting peoples' differences, but we unfortunately still have a long way to go. I'm glad they have this day and I hope that it helps to educate people. I hope other kids are learning about it in the schools.
I hope the packing and moving go well. I can't wait to see your new place! :)
Well said Amy! Ditto! ;) Sorry, I don't know why my comment posted 3 times...weird...
ReplyDeleteAwww! I was basically going to say what Amy said. No matter what he will always have family and thankfully there's a lot of us!
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited for you guys about the house. I know that the kids will love to have a backyard to play in.