Finding peace this Autism Awareness Month {and always!}
Another April and another Autism Awareness Month is upon us. But for us parents of children with autism, it’s always Autism Awareness Month. Awareness that our child is different; has different needs, skills, deficits, thought processes, communication, interests, ways of dealing with emotions and a whole host of other distinct characteristics. But different doesn’t mean “bad,” “wrong,” or “less,” it just means “not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature or form; distinct.”
There’s a lot of talk about April being Autism Acceptance Month as opposed to Autism Awareness Month.
Again, for us parents of children with autism, it’s always Autism Acceptance Month too. Acceptance that our child has a disability, is going to face challenges, may need additional support their entire lives, and a whole bunch of other unknowns. But disability doesn’t mean “not able to,” it just means “a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities.”
MORE MOTHERHOOD MOMENTS:Reflections from an introverted mom
My son is 30 now and I’m finally fully aware of how his autism is going to affect him and what it means for his life and mine.
And I’m fully accepting of his autism, it’s a part of who he is, I can never change it. It took time, but it happened! And that is my wish for all parents of children with autism, that they be able to truly be at peace with the diagnosis. Not love it or even necessarily celebrate it but accept it. To be aware that autism, at its heart, is a cluster of differences: yes, it’s a disability; yes, it’s a challenge; yes, it’s a lifelong chronic medical condition; and yes, on some days it will bring you to your knees and kick your ass. But then you get up and move forward and so will your child.
I’m not settling, I’m always pushing him to live to his fullest potential and be the best version of himself that he can be, just like I try to do with myself.
I can’t wish his autism away. I can give him therapy, support, social opportunities, kindness and acceptance. And I can give myself the same: therapy if I need it, support from other parents, and to be kind to myself. I’m not a perfect parent, but I’m doing the best I can do. No parent is perfect, but all we can do is our best. And this April, that is my hope for all my fellow autism parents, that you are able to have the awareness of what your child with autism brings to your life and the world and allow yourself to accept it, for all its beauty, challenges, ups and downs. Wishing you a peaceful mind and a heart of self-compassion this Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.
ABOUT LITTLESTAR ABA THERAPY: Founded in 2002, LittleStar ABA Therapy has grown to six facilities across Indiana that service more than 220 patients a year. LittleStar is dedicated to producing real progress for children impacted by autism and assisting their families through the process. The practice of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is considered the “gold standard” scientifically proven treatment that creates real, positive outcomes in a child’s life, teaches them new skills, and helps guide them towards living a better life. LittleStar’s centers are staffed and operated by a team of kind, welcoming professionals who are among the most experienced in providing ABA therapy for children, teens and young adults. Visit https://www.littlestaraba.org/ for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Rosswurm is CEO of LittleStar ABA Therapy in Carmel, Ind., and runs the Life With a Side of Autism social media community on Instagram @lifewithasideofautism.
