Thankful for Autism
/Happy Thanksgiving! This year, we're grateful for the many ways Autism Articulated profiles express thanks for autism. Too often, autism is treated as a burden rather than a blessing. By embracing autism, we're recognizing that acceptance is just as important as awareness. And we're excited to look back at Autism Articulated profiles that celebrate just that.
"Kids on the spectrum teach us about unconditional love. Actually, love is only love when it’s unconditional. You don’t love someone because of how much money they make or how much they weigh or because they say nice things to you or because they stop humming and flapping. You love them because you love them because you love them. You love them in the same way you want to be loved, knowing that you will not always be perfect, that you will be petty sometimes, and you will be mean sometimes, and you will be grouchy and impatient sometimes." - Bill Kenower
"The fear is always that I will offend someone. When I talk to my Mum about this, she says that if you have a definite personality, and definite opinions, you will always offend some people, and not to worry too much about it. It's easier said than done! On the other hand. Because of my Asperger's I am able to be myself completely, I don't feel any urge to try and conform or be 'normal' which is something I am very grateful for. I have a vivid imagination, which helps with my writing. The world inside my mind gives me much of the joy that I get from my life. So, actually Asperger's is good for me." - Rosie King
"I know how agonizing it is to love so much, to want the best for your child and not quite get there. Take the time to cry and scream following the initial diagnoses but be careful not to stay in that dark place for long. Your child needs YOU, so pull yourself up by your bootstraps and prepare to fight because YOU my friend are your child's voice. It will certainly take some time to comprehend your child's disorder and the impact it has on everyone in your family. Life as you know it will change but in time…it will be alright!" - Mary Kimari
"I still see Audrey struggle at family parties and social gatherings...But I also realized something that’s way more important; she’s happy! And while we’ll continue to work to try and help her with those interactions, it’s certainly not keeping her from running around, occasionally flapping her arms, and making a random noise. But so what? So just stay focused on the positives and help reinforce positive behaviors. And be happy that you’ve been blessed with that child. I know too many people who can’t have or who lost a child before they were born. And so I’m just grateful that I have two very happy, healthy, and beautiful children." - Brian Diano
"My son is now fourteen, very clever, academically tops his classroom and loves, loves anything Disney. He’s quite the artist, plays the piano with excellent pitch and loves to sing. I would never trade my son for anything! I am happy to say that Autism is the best thing that ever happened to my family. It has completely changed how I view people and how I view life. I participate in the Autism walk every year here in Massachusetts and I plan to continue creating awareness in all ways possible through Kenya Autism Alliance and most definitely through my son." - Cyndy Langat
"I think I embrace these opportunities to open up a conversation about autism more now than when I was younger. Sometimes I will still get reactions like, “Oh I’m sorry!” As if I’ve told someone she has a terminal illness. I want them to know that my sister and I have a great relationship and how far she has come with love, understanding, support, and inclusion." - Meghan Hussey
"Parents should never give up on their child! They should also never apologize or feel ashamed because their son or daughter has autism. I would like them to know and have unwavering faith that their child with autism will realize his/her full potential if they nurture their talents and abilities." - John Maina
