From a recent post at a group I belong to, it was asked about how neighbor kids and their parent relate to your Autistic child.
I said: it is very difficult to find parents and children that are accepting of an ASD child. We have discovered who our real friends and family are since getting our dx on the children in Oct 2006. We have everyone we know falling into one of 3 groups. Accept us, hate us or ignore us. The largest for our experience is, ignore us. Then hate us, and the smallest is accept us. Unfortunately a lot of family and friends are NOT in the accept us group.
But, like I said, you really find out about people when Autism comes into your life. It hurts for awhile, but we have made new friends and 'family' to replace the old. Find local groups to be a part of, learn from and develop friendships in groups like these and work on developing a thicker skin.
I feel that we, and all Autistic parents, were chosen by God to care for these special spirits he has entrusted us with. And where much is given, much is expected. We have children of light that must not be hidden, but should be placed on a hill for all to witness and enjoy. If ignorant and uncaring people cannot see that they are indeed special, and not in the typical 'special' label way, then that is their failing.
I really believe that the rise in Autism is part of the preparation for Christ's return. If someone cannot be accepting of a child or adult with a disability, then they can have no part in his kingdom. He must separate the wheat from the chaff, the good from the bad. We and our families are his servants doing some sifting.
Now, I'm not saying that I'm some saint or that I'm perfect. But, I do feel that we have been given a task and there may be some suffering, like the early Christians, for us to bear. If we stand strong, do not wilt and move forward with conviction we will be able to increase the acceptance and tolerance of people with Autism. "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
I'll get down from the pulpit now; I hope that I have not offended anyone. I just feel very strongly about our roles as parents of Autistic children.
Dad
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
ok i had a brain freeze...anyway I am so glad you continue to shine a light on the totally different aspects of ASD, each child is different indeed...I also know many folks just don't know how to react to our kids or the way we parent.
I know what you mean about the 3 groups of people. Our immediate neighbors don't seem to care for my son and family in the neighborhood but for the most part everyone else in the neighborhood seems to really like Alex. When you take the time to get to know him - it is hard not to see the good stuff.
Consider me in the "like ya" bunch!
:)
I'm so glad my Mom told me about your show (I haven't seen it yet, I don't have DH). She watched it, and said that my oldest son reminds her so much of one of yours. I have been on the journey of having my oldest dx'd. I feel he has some level of Asperger's, and am having a hard time getting that or any dx. The area I live in does not have Dr's that know anything about autism.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
I have found that most people who work with my asd son really falls in love with him. But those who are hoping for an easy time avoid him.
preach it brother, preach it!
Wow. Glad to have found your website and your blog. We have a 14year old son with autism, and are really clueless on how to deal with the teen years. It's nice to know we aren't alone. Thank you for what you are doing.
Although my 6 year old son who is very high functioning hasn't been diagnosed with anything yet, as A parent with a child who does have some special needs I agree with you whole heartedly. Not only do the parents/people need to show some compassion towards these special children, they need to teach their children compassion towards all kids regardless. I'm finding even in Kindergarten 4,5 & 6 years olds to be quite mean and have no problems saying things I would have never even thought about saying when I was that young in fear of getting spanked for it.
I'ved added you to my blogroll. I love to read your posts.
Thank you!
Thank you for this post. I really feel that my children's challenges have made ME a better person, and have probably they have had influence on others whose lives they have touched, hopefully positive. It's sad to think which one of those three groups I might have been in before I had children. - Silk
I hope that more people will accept your family (especially relatives).
We also have 6 children but only 1 dx's with PDD-NOS. Thank you for your blog!
God bless you and yours.
Post a Comment