If I Were In Your Shoes...

This blog is from a passionate mom who deals with autism’s effects daily. It was contributed by D.D. (Matthew’s mom).

“I try to understand what is God’s will with Matthew. As a mother you worry so much about your children’s future. You want them to be healthy, smart, independent, and successful. So its hard when you are told you’re beautiful baby has Autism. (An incurable disorder) I took it well with a smile on my face like I take everything. (Smiling and dying inside) My first step: research, My Second step: getting him all his therapies. I know people try to be helpful and say, “Oh there’s nothing wrong with him. He looks normal” as if he would be worthless if he wasn’t.

My son is a beautiful healthy boy. He has autism. He is an empty shell that has to be filled. A clean slate. Now that I’m a teacher and have met so many “normal” children, I’ve come to realize teaching every child is a challenge. I focus on what Matt can do rather then what he can’t do. He can do a 24 piece puzzle, he can count to 30. He knows over 20 colors. He loves to laugh and cuddle (so loving). He has rhythm and loves musical instruments. He’s very predictable. He’s awesome!

People look at him when he screams and throws himsef on the floor, (So I’ve seen “normal” kids do that). People look at him when he yells “bye, bye” at the top of his lungs because he’s ready to leave a store or a party. I cant say I dont care if they look because I hate it! I feel like yelling at the top of my lungs “you’ve never seen a kid cry?” It’s frustrating. I’ve found all I have to say is, “He doesnt understand, He has autism“. All those judging looks turn to pity looks and the crowd keeps walking. Now I really want to scream, “I don’t need your pity!!”

I started to ask myself what is God’s will with Matthew? I don’t know the answer to that. I guess in time God will reveal what it is. For now I’ve found the Good days are really Good and the not so good days are not so bad. I tell myself on those tough days when Matthew is just crying and throwing himself on the floor and stomping, “Let me just get through this hour”, then after that hour I say,”okay, that’s not so bad, let me get through this hour”. Forget one day at a time, I take it one hour at a time.

I still want what every parent wants, my son to be healthy, smart, independent and successful. I’ve realized autism is only one aspect of my son. He has thoughts and feelings. I’ve met so many “normal” kids who are rude and cruel because that’s the way they want to be. I pick my sweet honest Matt over them any day! To sum it up; don’t think that you have it any easier! Prison is filled with “normal” people, LOL! Dont judge Matt only on his autism. You wouldn’t want to be looked at as just a overweight person, or a klutzy, or buck tooth. You wouldnt want to be judged on only your imperfections, so don’t judge a person with autism only on that. You can’t define a person by only one characteristic.

I still don’t know what God’s will is with Matt and I dont pretend to know. All I’ve learned up to this point is to never set any one’s expectations too low. Never judge anyone on a single charateristic.

P.S. Historical famous people with Autism: Their impact and teachings have changed the world! If you ever went to school you’ve heard of them. I’ve listed only three. ”

1. Albert Einstein 1879-1955 German/American theoretical physicist

2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791, Austrian composer

3. Isaac Newton 1642-1727, English mathematician and physicist

Fictional Characters/ Television character- With Autistic traits

1. Bert in Sesame Street (Voiced by Frank Oz)

2. Alex P Keaton in Family Ties (played by Micheal J Fox)

3. Mork in Mork and Mindy (played by Robin Williams)

4. Edward in Edward Scissorhands (played by Johnny Depp)

Contemporary Famous People with Autistic traits

1. Woody Allen (director,actor,writer) 2. Bill Gates (global monopolist) 3. Al Gore ( former U.S Vice President 4. Keanu Reeves (actor)

If you would like to find bargain books about autism, type in the word autism in the search box below to find great deals. We have provided a coupon code also.

SEARCH NOW: by title by author