Kieran, the Easter Bunny and friends in a joyful moment.
A few weeks ago, a Facebook friend posed the question, “What is Autism to you?” The answers posted spoke to me:
“The ability to look at things in the physical reality that Neurotypical beings overlook, and therefore have the skills to create outside the box.”
“A different way of thinking and being in the world. Each end having their own unique struggles everyday. Pure hearts and amazing souls.”
“Autism, to me, is a thief. . . my child is the most incredible young man, but we fought for health and independence when it should not have been necessary.”
“My sons autism is very severe (intense self injury) and has multiple complex medical needs . . . . Despite any of that incredible burden he carries, he is an amazing, smart . . . compassionate loving human being who, like us all, wants to be seen and wants to be heard. I see a lot of suffering. It’s a crazy journey.”
“Extraordinarily brilliant and extraordinarily talented, who challenge the status quo but are invisible and underestimated by the public because they don’t think or act like the mainstream population.”
“A different way of being.”
“A different wired brain.”
“Autism is an albatross around my son’s neck. If I could take it away I would do it in an instant.”
“Autism is different for each individual. But my daughter looks at the world different. She is smart, beautiful and sweet. But it’s very difficult on her and that makes me sad as a parent.”
At one time or another, I think we’ve all looked at Autism in each way – with wonder at the unique approach to the world, with anger at the world’s treatment of those who are perceived as different, with grief for the experiences that are missed due to Autism and with joy in the incredible people we know as a result of our walk with Autism or with those with Autism. For me, the grief and anger have become less frequent over time, and the wonder and joy often overwhelm me. This May, I’m wishing each of you some moments of that joy.
Kathi J. Machle, President, Autism Society of Ohio