I haven’t posted much this past few months, partially because I have been very busy, and also I feel a lot has happened to our children that is not appropriate to discuss so publicly. What I can say is this: Our children for the most part are doing well. We have recently started homeschooling Ashley again, and are currently in the process of making that transition. I start graduate school this summer. I will be working towards a Masters in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism and ABA. My main goal in returning to school is to make sure I have all the knowledge necessary to protect Ashley and as many children and families impacted by autism as I can. Right now I am walking by faith that this is what God has called me to do. I am hoping over the course of the next eighteen months, while I’m in school He will direct me on what to do with this degree.
But what I really want to talk about is autism awareness. As I’m sure everyone knows April is autism awareness month, specifically April 2
nd was autism awareness day. I’m sure at this point almost everyone is aware of autism from an abstract perspective. April has been a time to focus on autism for quite a few years now. And although you see it more readily- mentioned on television, posters, sayings on Facebook, etc., from my perspective not much has changed. We are 11 years into our personal battle with autism. Back then it was difficult to obtain a diagnosis, research was all over the place, and you had to fight for services for your child. 11 years later, even with all the awareness, it is STILL difficult to obtain a diagnosis, research is STILL scattered, and you STILL have to fight to receive services for your child.
My daughter and all of these people have value; and they have purpose. They deserve to have a society that actively seeks to help and support them. Families that are affected by autism are devastated financially, physically, and emotionally. We are fighting as hard as we can in our own personal war with autism. We do not have the time and energy, or finances to fight the global war on autism in the manner we would like. We are counting on society helping us to fight this battle. Or at the very least, not working against us as we advocate for the things are children need and deserve. We need you to look past the word autism and see our children because they are more than just a statistic and more than just a disorder. They are children that really need to be seen. If all you can see is autism, you can't help them. Please look a little deeper.
So maybe today instead of being aware of autism, we can be aware of the people autism affects. Because they are people. Autism has dramatically impacted my daughter, and my friend’s son, and my other friend’s nephew, and many other friend’s children, and many other people all over the world. I think the current statistic is 1 out of every 50 children has autism. I’m sure there is a face that pops into your mind when you hear the word autism. If you are lucky enough to not have your own face of autism to reflect upon, you are welcome to think of Ashley’s face. But please remember these are people that autism or not deserve a chance, respect and love. I hope that 11 years from now I can write that autism research and support has come so far. Because with the right support the people impacted by autism could do and be so much.
Like Created In His Image on Facebook
Ashley age 2 right before autism fully hit.
originally posted April 2013
I haven’t posted much this past few months, partially because I have been very busy, and also I feel a lot has happened to our children that is not appropriate to discuss so publicly. What I can say is this: Our children for the most part are doing well. We have recently started homeschooling Ashley again, and are currently in the process of making that transition. I start graduate school this summer. I will be working towards a Masters in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism and ABA. My main goal in returning to school is to make sure I have all the knowledge necessary to protect Ashley and as many children and families impacted by autism as I can. Right now I am walking by faith that this is what God has called me to do. I am hoping over the course of the next eighteen months, while I’m in school He will direct me on what to do with this degree.
But what I really want to talk about is autism awareness. As I’m sure everyone knows April is autism awareness month, specifically April 2nd was autism awareness day. I’m sure at this point almost everyone is aware of autism from an abstract perspective. April has been a time to focus on autism for quite a few years now. And although you see it more readily- mentioned on television, posters, sayings on Facebook, etc., from my perspective not much has changed. We are 11 years into our personal battle with autism. Back then it was difficult to obtain a diagnosis, research was all over the place, and you had to fight for services for your child. 11 years later, even with all the awareness, it is STILL difficult to obtain a diagnosis, research is STILL scattered, and you STILL have to fight to receive services for your child.
My daughter and all of these people have value; and they have purpose. They deserve to have a society that actively seeks to help and support them. Families that are affected by autism are devastated financially, physically, and emotionally. We are fighting as hard as we can in our own personal war with autism. We do not have the time and energy, or finances to fight the global war on autism in the manner we would like. We are counting on society helping us to fight this battle. Or at the very least, not working against us as we advocate for the things are children need and deserve. We need you to look past the word autism and see our children because they are more than just a statistic and more than just a disorder. They are children that really need to be seen. If all you can see is autism, you can't help them. Please look a little deeper.
So maybe today instead of being aware of autism, we can be aware of the people autism affects. Because they are people. Autism has dramatically impacted my daughter, and my friend’s son, and my other friend’s nephew, and many other friend’s children, and many other people all over the world. I think the current statistic is 1 out of every 50 children has autism. I’m sure there is a face that pops into your mind when you hear the word autism. If you are lucky enough to not have your own face of autism to reflect upon, you are welcome to think of Ashley’s face. But please remember these are people that autism or not deserve a chance, respect and love. I hope that 11 years from now I can write that autism research and support has come so far. Because with the right support the people impacted by autism could do and be so much. Like Created In His Image on Facebook
Ashley age 2 right before autism fully hit.
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