April Is For Autism

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This month is autism awareness month. The reason I am bringing this up, is because my dear, sweet friend Amber. Her little boy Cullen has autism, I am not positive what form. He isn’t as bad as some, but it still affects him and her family. There are many different names for autism, but they are all linked. There is Asperger Syndrome, PDD NOS, Autism, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintrigrative Disorder, Cullen has one of them. He is getting the help he needs, and he is still a bright loving boy, despite his disability. Just because he has a disability, doesn't mean he doesn't deserve the same care and respect that so many other children need. There is a medical news site that provides some good information. There is also a myspace page called autimoms where you can also get a ton of information. We all need to be aware, compassionate, patient, and loving towards everyone with a disability, that they cannot help but to have. It doesn't mean they are dumb, incapable, or any of the phobias that people who have never dealt with people with disabilities or who don't suffer from one do not understand. Families who have children deserve our patient, love, understanding, and compassion, and not to be chastise, condemned, or ridicule because of it. If anything, I'd wish for more understanding and empathy for everyone involved. They are capable of many things and they also don't need to be put aside or pushed away either. Maybe, because I have seen many of my family members, though they do not suffer from autism, they do have blindness, and other disabilities that they were born and can't help to have. They are strong independent women and men. My mom has RP, and she has been in advocacy for many years. She didn't let it cripple her or stop her from living a life that she wanted and deserved to have. She still gardens, walks, cooks, cleans, and though her age is more of a problem, than her eyesight, she is still strong, independent and fighting for independence for others who are disabled. I greatly admire her for that. Maybe, that is why I feel strongly for others who are dealing with loss, but who have found the strength, wisdom, and courage to move on and do what they must to be who they truly are inside. Isn't that after all, what really matters?