April is recognized throughout the United States and in many countries across the world as Autism Awareness Month. The symbol most commonly associated with autism awareness is the puzzle. Sometimes the images have a puzzle piece missing representing that bit of information that is mysterious with regards to autism spectrum conditions. Some people find the puzzle symbol and even more-so the missing puzzle piece offensive. While I understand the reason behind this, I kind of like the puzzle symbols (without missing pieces).
Here’s my thinking – my children are most definitely little puzzles. They aren’t those nice puzzles with flat edges that neatly go together, they are those tricky 3D puzzles. They aren’t missing anything, well except maybe for some sleep, but other than that they are most definitely whole. However, I think children are all little puzzles. Trying to figure out what your child needs and/or wants can be difficult at six months, six years, and even harder at sixteen years from what I’ve been told. So in an essence, everyone is a puzzle.
My goals, with regard to autism awareness, are to help people understand that autism has many faces. Yes my little girl who will look you dead in the eye, smile, and say hi is on the autism spectrum. At this point outsiders see her as a sweet little girl. I want them to understand that next time they see her if she’s having an all-out meltdown that she’s still that sweet little girl and not some spoiled brat who’s throwing a tantrum because she’s not getting her way.
Autism is not a death sentence for our family. We embrace the differences that our children have from their peers and provide them with the necessary tools to enjoy life. In the end, that’s all we want right? To enjoy life.
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Yep! We all do!
(Im not a fan of the puzzle piece!)
Amen, Sister! Well said.
I am not a mother of an autistic child but i am a sister-in-law and teachers assistant to a high school life skills class. I believe all mothers of autistic children are brave wonderful people and i wish everyone would relize this! I wonder how they would handle it if their child were autistic….see how it is when the table is turned, i dont know how you wonderful ladies do it, i work with an autistic 16 year old all day when he goes home to his mother, i am relieved! Although by husbands brother is autistic, and i do have him alot, he is 4 and that is a BIG DIFFERENCE! Much easier to handle a 4 year old meltdown than a 16 year old who is 6’3” and 215 lbs. I hope all your years with your children are better than this poor child.
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