Today starts Autism Awareness Month, so we’re taking a break from the Power of One series. For today, I thought I’d share with you some things I’ve learned since having a child with autism.
1. People with autism are strong. I wrote about this over at my friend Jennifer’s blog.
2. Autism parents are strong, too. It’s not easy.
3. God gives grace.
4. Bad behavior is not always bad. Sometimes there are explanations and the behavior is trying to communicate that.
5. Don’t ask more than one question at a time. Even if your child on the spectrum is listening when you start, multiple questions cause confusion.
6. It’s ok to ask for help, even from people you don’t know very well.
7. There are some really great people out there.
8. In the midst of appointments, therapy, stress, etc., remember to hug your child and have fun times, too.
8. A lot of special needs parents connect online because it isn’t possible or available otherwise. #Youmightbeanautismparentif is still going strong on Twitter!
9. Patience is more than a virtue. It’s a necessity.
10. Special needs parents need to stick together. Sure, we can respectfully disagree over treatments, but why bicker with those who understand your life more than most?
11. Each person with autism is different.
12. Try, try again. And again.
13. Celebrate victories, no matter how small they seem.
Are you an autism parent? What have you learned?
April 1, 2013 at 8:43 AM
I am learning to look for the root of the behavior. What would be willful defiance in a NT child may not be in my ASD or FAS child.
Internet friends can be real friends and a life line when being out in the world just is not realistic.
God is not surprised by my children’s struggles and He give grace in abundance for our lives.
Blessings to you and your family! Thank you, as always, for your insight and encouragement.
April 1, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Love all of those, Kayleen, but I especially love “God is not surprised by my child’s struggles.”
April 1, 2013 at 3:46 PM
My grandson has Autism. I am so happy my daughter knows the Lord, is a Believer because I know His faithfulness to her. Most days she looks drained and stressed. Yet the Lord gives her grace, a renewed spirit, rest in Him and endless patience. She is a self-less woman to her whole family. It certainly isn’t easy any day. The Lord could not have given my grandson a better, or more perfect Mother. My grandson is a joy and very precious to me. When we play together I am in whatever world he is in. He feels things alot of adults don’t. As sad as it can be sometimes;seeing through the eyes of an Aspie, alot of times it is a blessing that touches your heart. Many times I rather be with him than my adult friends. Thank you Jesus for my little guy.
April 6, 2013 at 10:50 AM
Thanks for your encouragement, Mom.
April 1, 2013 at 10:14 PM
I’ve learned to embrace the abnormal in public because we aren’t alone and sometimes our atypical ways of doing things make others smile because of their own struggles at home.
That We all have some sensory issues however normal we think we are :)
April 6, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Very true, Susan! Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned.