Being Autistic and caring for an Autistic person can be difficult, in fact some days it can seem impossible and heartbreaking. Many times I have cried wishing I didn't think and feel the way I do. Many, many times I've been distraught over how difficult it is to help and support my Autistic children with their needs.
But I'm working on being proud of myself and loving my true, Autistic self and I want that for my kids. They are awesome, just as they are. I want my children and any child I have the privilege of supporting to be proud that they are Autistic and see that they are as valuable and worthy of respect as any other human being.
Being Autistic is a neurotype, our brains are made differently and that's ok. We are not deficit, we are not someone to be pitied either. Yes, we are classed as disabled (although I'm not a fan of that word... maybe diffabled - differently abled? Just a thought) but that's because the world and society has been designed for and by neurotypical people that we can need some support coping with the way things are. Again, that's ok. Everyone needs help of some kind at some point in their lives.
One of my Autistic traits that I am proud of is I am super observant, I see, hear and smell things that other people might not even notice. It can sometimes make me uncomfortable or even distressed BUT it comes in really handy in many situations in life. A small but fun thing is I am a really good TV watching detective. I can see clues to murder mysteries that others miss!
My son has an incredible memory and that helps him at home and at school. He LOVES being able to remember every Strictly Come Dancing song, dance and dancers. It is unbelievable!
My eldest son is such a visial learner that watching youtube on his ipad has helped him to talk, to read and to understand some social and personal situations. For example, he needs prepared for where we are going, in particular to any appointments. Peppa Pig helped us take him to the doctor on many occasions. I would tell him we are going to see Dr Brown Bear and he would immediately understand what was happening. Incredible!
My youngest needs structure, routine and boundaries to make sense of the world. Because we stick to routines he has learned to 'ask' for what he wants through familiar objects. Amazing!
That's just a few examples. I know being Autistic can be hard but be proud of yourself and all you have overcome. That goes for the parents and carers out there too. It can be heartbreaking and exhausting but be proud of all you are doing to support your children.
To encourage pride amongst Autistic people Aspies For Freedom held the 1st Autistic Pride Day in 2005. It is still held annually on the 18th of June. It is a celebration for Autistic people.
It's not Autistic people that need to change to navigate this world, it's this world that needs to change to allow Autistic people to thrive.
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