My ASD Story
Having a child with autism can be tough. On the really bad days all I can do is try and remember that my children were given to me for a reason. While I’m an imperfect parent, I’m the perfect person to parent my child because God doesn’t make mistakes.
On tough days when we have meltdowns and sensory overloads and I get all flustered and worked up but I remind myself of how far my son has come, with all the doctors appointments, the diagnosis, the therapists, the sleepless nights, the picky eating, the judgmental stares and unkind words……yet my son triumphs.
The fact that he never gives up no matter how hard his struggles get, he keeps on fighting is amazing. His resilience is remarkable.
April is autism awareness month. However it’s not enough to just be aware of autism, you have to be accepting of people living with autism, show love and support, advocate for a better quality of life given to people living with Autism. Be more understanding. Educate yourself on what autism really is.
As at 2014, 1 in every 64 children has autism. Early signs of autism in children are inability to relate to others, hyperactivity or passivity, oversensitive or under sensitive to sound, unusual behavior or body movement, poor speech or lack of speech, strange attachment to objects, avoiding eye contact, difficulty dealing with change, lacks awareness of danger, inappropriate laughing or crying fits, unusual play or repetitive play.
Once you spot the early signs, please go to the hospital for a proper diagnosis, let the professionals do their jobs. However, don’t be intimidated by the diagnosis, educate yourself. Ask questions, do not let the doctors, therapists or price tag that comes with autism intimidate you.
Take it a day at a time. Have a support system that works, don’t let the diagnosis isolate you. There is nothing to be ashamed of, don’t let the diagnosis leave you feeling self-conscious or paranoid. Know that there is nothing you could have done differently to prevent your child’s autism . date, no one has a definite answer to the cause of autism neither is there a miracle pill to cure it.
Don’t let the diagnosis rob you of your joy. Don’t get caught in the present fear and forget what is important. Regardless of the diagnosis, that child is still your child and he deserves your unconditional love, support and acceptance. Above all, stay motivated to help your child become the best that he can be.
Written by Solape Azazi
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