Before I start, I always like to mention that my son has autism. I would never speak for a community unless I had personal experience. My son is incredible and I love how his mind works. If I want to know if an outfit looks good on me, I ask him because he's blunt. It's tough for him to lie which I find endearing most of the time. Unless he points out all my gray hairs.
April has been known as Autism Awareness Month in the past. I even called it that. But then I started seeing posts from Actually Autistic people stating that they didn't like the month being referred to as Autism Awareness Month. They would prefer it would be Autism Acceptance Month. Why?
Well. After I did my research and asked Tommy, I realized it made sense. Of course it's wonderful to be AWARE of autism. But it's better to ACCEPT Autism. Sadly, many people don't take the time to do this. If they see someone stimming or having a meltdown in public, they might scowl and assume that person is a brat or being difficult. The autism community needs others to accept who they are.
.jpg)
Accepting people with autism means:
Accepting that stimming happens in public. I know my son will rock and flick his fingers sometimes. Do not stare.
Accepting that autistic people might do things differently than you. For example, my son might not understand that not everyone wants to continue talking about cumulonimbus clouds.
Acceping that not everyone with autism drives. This isn't weird. Don't make them feel bad for not driving.
Accepting that they can be incredibly blunt and honest. Some of the things they say will NOT be PC.
Accepting that sometimes they can get overwhelmed and will have to walk away suddenly.
ACCEPTING. It sounds like such an easy concept but so many think awareness is enough.
This month and every month after, please accept autistic people for exactly who they are.
You'll probably find that they're some of the best folks you'll ever meet.
Posts
I appreciate this change in language and meaning!
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this. My daughter has autism. And acceptance is definitely important. I love that you wrote not everyone wants to talk about clouds. My daughter always talks about her favorite YouTuber and doesn’t realize everyone else doesn’t always know who that is. And she is great for a blunt honest opinion about my outfits.
ReplyDeleteTommy is a great person and I love how reading you throughout the years has given me so much insight. I love how you encourage him and how he is truly himself.
I love the elf costume! He sounds like a fun person to hang out with.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a great read. I've always thought that awareness and acceptance went hand in hand, but I can see the illustration of the difference here.
ReplyDeleteUnderstanding the differences of awareness and acceptance can go a long way in helping people realize how their actions or even lack of actions effect the situation differently.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I've seen and heard so many misconceptions about autism and it would be nice if everyone could learn more about it and be accepting!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It is good to be "aware" but accepting is far better. You have a wonderful son and he is very fortunate to have you as a mom.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I love it. A good friend of mine has an autistic child. I loved sitting and "chatting" with him. He taught me a lot about just being a human being to other human beings.
ReplyDeleteGood points for consideration and implementation! Thanks for the food for thought. I'll be sharing with my education peeps.
ReplyDeleteIt helps to be aware of the condition in order to know about it and accept it. We hadn't come across any autistic children until my son joined his school and had an autistic boy in his class. We are far more clued up now.
ReplyDeleteI really love this! I have so many family members with Autism. You have such a great post here. I think everyone needs to accept everyone for who they are.
ReplyDeleteI love that autistic people are different. I love to know people that are interesting and special!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you on this! I am all for people being accepting and really making an effort to understand autism.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with this more. I never thought about it until I read your post. We need to accept!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you, I wouldn't want to change what makes someone unique
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! this is so important to share! thanks for this
ReplyDeleteYES! Couldn't agree more!! I know so many friends who have struggled with their kids being accepted by friends and colleagues.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. Awareness of autism must be at an all time high but I think many don't know what to expect or how to help.
ReplyDeleteI honestly agree with this as well. I'm so glad you shared this with us. I think it's really important.
ReplyDeleteI loev this post and you sharing your thoughts on this and I agree with calling it Autism Acceptance month too. So simple but so powerful. Love the picture of him too and you guys look so cute together. You are blessed ;)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS POST!! I agree I wish people would just take the time to really understand Autism. My nephew is Autistic, and he is brilliant in his own little way. I love the pictures of you both, so cute and I love how you state it's tough for him to lie, it's the same with my nephew :0)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that acceptance is way better than people just being aware. It's about time we have a society that is inclusive and that we need to accept the reality that people have differences and some with special needs.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important thing to talk about. Rewording is everything when talking about something. We are all aware of Autism, but not many are accepting of it still.
ReplyDeleteIt's heartwarming to hear about the special bond you share with your son and how you appreciate his unique way of seeing the world.
ReplyDeleteAutism Acceptance Month is a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding. I appreciate how you share stories about Tommy, fostering empathy and awareness.
ReplyDeletethank you for posting this Amber. Being aware is one thing but putting that awareness into action, in this case, by acceptance, is more important.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this logic. My daughter is deaf and likes to talk about deaf awareness as well. I don’t have any personal experience with autism. But occasionally I see kids come in McDonalds and they have headphones on or kept at a short distance from their parent.
ReplyDeleteI love that fact that you have an amazing bond with your son, and how you can appreciate how your son sees the world in a special way.
ReplyDelete