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Hello Reader,
My hopes are, as a parent of two spectrum kids, that sharing my unique experience fighting for the best services and education (on a limited income); negotiating nutrition and social activities (with picky eaters & video lovers); finding child care and time for myself (a single mom in a big city);surviving the good, the bad and the messy may help someone better navigate their relationships in and with the autism culture. Please forward this monthly newsletter to others and in doing so you share INSPIRATION.
And I'm here to say loud and clear... I live with autism and it's my norm! When you meet someone like me, I want you to get excited to know you stand before a Superhero who's forging new frontiers. I want you to get interested in his or her experience and encourage them.
Let's face the facts: 1 in every 110 children born in The U.S. is diagnosed with autism.Yes the numbers have reached epidemic proportions and parents like me are increasing at an astronomical rate. The sociological impact needs to be addressed. That's why I'm here.
Having two boys diagnosed in the autism spectrum, I've become an advocate. My mission in sharing this newsletter with you is to expose my family's lifestyle so that people will better understand that we are just like everybody else in many ways, and loose their sense of pity, and ease the autism culture into society both socially and professionally.
I want you to hear the word autism and not feel sad but get excited about the possibility we as a society face to include these children and their families into the work force, the movie theater, the grocery store, the birthday party and your home.... Yes even your home!
We don't bite... (Opps! some of us do on occasion. It usually doesn't require hospitalization.) But, honestly, we've been secluded for too long.
We're coming out! We want the world to know! We can't stop the growth! We're coming! (repeat and sing to the tune of Diana Ross's hit song ;-)
The good thing is our kids are THE most loving! When you catch them on a good day ;-) But most kids are like that, accept they might not jump on your furniture or use your tooth brush, eat your lotion or run around your backyard naked....I take that back there are a few body free children that aren't in the spectrum. One of them may have been you!
And we parents need our stories told. Anything you want to know I'd be honored to share.
What can you do? Well simply ask questions and offer assistance in any small way. The fact that you are willing to listen helps. Listening is BIG! Smiling is BIG .... If you can get a person in the trenches of the daily, Spectrum issues, grind to smile - you've won big blessings from God! When parents like me say "Oh no thanks, we're fine. We can manage." That is your cue to become even more sincere. Let us know that you are truly willing to get to know our children so that you can make a difference in their lives.
And if you are a parent who needs help, ask a friend for one hour. Ask them to be with you while you cook, clean or nap. They may have been waiting for your permission. One hour may lead to more. Take action in spite of your fear, with your fear in tow ... just ask. And watch as someone comes into your world and slowly becomes comfortable in a spectrum relationship.
Remember, no more dower faces when you hear someone say their child has autism or they work with autistic children. Realize you are face to face with a modern day Super-hero! Please, give that person your brightest eyes and undivided attention ... if just for a moment. Remember to let them know how amazing they are ... even if it's just in your mind.
In closing I'd like to tell YOU how amazing you are! Truly. I believe you are an angel. I believe you will make a difference. I honor you.
Sincerely.
Thank you for your time.
For comments email me at
VThiero@gmail.com
Facebook.com/Vana Thiero
Vana Thiero, Autism Advocate and Documentarian, also serves on the Board of Directors of two non-profit organizations: The Samaritan's House Foundation and Safe Passage. To learn more about these charities visit thesamaritanshouse.org and safepassagelives.org. |
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