How fortunate we are to have the platform of World Autism Day (April 2nd) and
Autism Awareness month (April) to seek awareness and acceptance of the increasing
number of people with Autism. This year,
rather than focus solely on what autism is, I would like to share a more
universal message. It is this:
Kids/families with Autism really need what most of us need…more
kindness and understanding.
Yes, it is important to understand what autism is,
understand how to explain accepting differences to our kids, advocate for
more education for those teaching/working with kids with autism, and to create
resources for families handling the impact of autism. However, whether a child has a label or not, what
they need most from classmates, church goers, restaurant patrons, little league
teammates, etc. is kindness and understanding.
As adults we have the power to offset some of the pain and
suffering in the world that leads to discrimination, marginalized
individuals/groups, school shootings, etc.
I suggest that it is up to us to find solutions to these problems. No, none of us started the fire, but if we
want our kids to live in a world with less violence, less people in need, etc.,
we all have to mold better people.
We have to start in our own homes by examining our attitudes
towards those we label/disregard as “weirdos” and other derogatory terms. Some of us may not interact with a wide cross
section of people each day, but do you know who probably does? Our kids, grandkids, and neighbor
kids. And the kids they are interacting
with are being formed into little adults who will impact this world…in
beautiful ways…and unfortunately in scary ways.
If you are reading this and fail to see how this applies to
you because “I’m a nice person.” “I tell
my kids to be nice.” “No one in my family
has these problems,” please consider this thought. If you
are blessed with children that don’t face obstacles you need to create awesome
humans that lift up the people facing obstacles. Humans that see the person alone on the
playground and invite him or her to play.
Humans that smile and say 'hello' or 'how can I help' to the lady who
appears confused at the library. Humans that ask important medical/scientific questions about why our world is inundated with more and more autism diagnosis and other related disorders. Humans who learn emotional intelligence and respect for others so that the idea of putting others down, bullying another child, etc makes them uncomfortable enough to stop others from doing so.
If I haven’t scared you away…I humbly suggest an Autism Awareness Month Checklist:
- Read this post by Glennon Doyle Melton. Her brilliance will suck you in, so keep reading everything she’s written…but don’t forget to finish your list.
- Talk to your kids about differences and acceptance – not in a way that creates pity or that makes them do something nice as a favor, but in a way that insights interest in learning about other’s unique awesomeness. This is a great list of suggestions.
- Be a model of acceptance. Oh, how I struggle with this. It’s easy to see a cute kiddo with autism and want to help. It’s difficult to see a seemingly unpredictable adult or someone whose ways are simply unknown to us and embrace their differences. If you won’t, who will?
- If you decide to talk to your kids or co-workers or entire circle of friends and family, I would LOVE to hear feedback on your experience. This beautiful, scary world is ours and it’s up to us to make it better.
Thank you for reading and considering this checklist. May your April be full of greater acceptance, understanding and kindness.
By the way, today is World Downs Syndrome Awareness Day. ACCEPTANCE, KINDNESS, AWARENESS, LOVE, UNDERSTANDING ALL AROUND :)
