WHEN AUTISM KNOCKS ON YOUR CHILDS DOOR

WHAT DOES IT MEAN

It means as parents, we have to work a little harder.

It means as parents, we no longer can just be teacher assistants, we must become proficient teachers.

It means we no longer take everyday things for granted.

When a child says, “I love you”

(language)

When they give you big hugs

(physical contact)

When they play a board game and enjoy it

(socialization)

These things now become major miracles.

It means we must become behavior analysts.  We must learn to evaluate our environment and make adjustments so our children can successfully function in it.

It means we must also remember our other children and do all of the same things for them.

It means we must become strong advocates and learn to fight for our child’s rights.

These are all of the things I have learned, when Autism knocked on our door.

At the end of the day, when exhaustion sets in.  I take off my teacher’s hat, my lawyer’s hat, my behavior analyst’s hat, my sibling support hat and I put on my mom hat.

 I think about the small miracles that occurred that day.

Some language, some hugs and kisses, some laughing and joking

I am grateful to experience the small miracles that I would have missed if Autism had not knocked on our door.

                                                                        By Beatrice Moffett