No Rhyme Nor Reason
I was struggling to come up with a topic for this month’s musings. Searching the internet, I noticed that someone has designated September 1 as “No Rhyme Nor Reason Day.” That struck me as a pretty good way to describe my journey as an Autism parent.
There seemed to be “no rhyme nor reason” for my son, Kieran’s, early loss of speech, for his very early ability to assemble things, for his aversion to soprano voices, or, ultimately, for his diagnosis of Autism. Why is it that he is Autistic and his siblings are not?
There seems to be no rhyme nor reason for sensory issues. Why is one person hypersensitive to sound while another seeks out loud noises?
To me, there is no rhyme nor reason for our world’s failure to appreciate, or even to tolerate Autistic traits and needs. What does it matter if my child refuses to wear socks or eats the same lunch every day?
And, finally, the biggest “no rhyme nor reason” – why are appropriate services so hard to find and finance? Funding for those services often rests on the whims of politics (a real concern in Ohio as state funding of public schools is being reduced). We know that early, intensive intervention helps our folks develop the skills and tolerances to make their way in this world less bumpy. Yet we sit on waiting lists for waivers, therapists, and diagnostics. It is frustrating and, often, all we can do is band together and provide one another support as we wade through it all and a shoulder to cry on when it becomes too overwhelming.
Please know that, if you need that support or shoulder, ASO is here. We may not be able to solve the problem, but we will listen as you explore and experience it.
Kathi J. Machle, President
Autism Society’s new resource, Beyond Acceptance: Autism Inclusion and Equity – A Guide for Educators, Parents and Students, was created in association with the American Federation of Teachers.
The Autism Society of Ohio has a limited number of print copies available. If you would like one mailed to you, please email info@autismohio.org and provide your name, mailing address and relation to Autism (parent, teacher, etc.).
The Autism Society of America is conducting a Water Safety Survey. They are seeking to improve water safety messages and make it easier for children with Autism to find and participate in swimming lessons. If you are the primary caregiver of an Autistic person under age 18, please take time to complete the survey.
Any questions may be addressed to molly.johnson2@ascension.org.