Friday, April 1, 2011

Lighting Up a Rosy Shade of Blue

Feeling Blue? It’s all too easy focus on the difficulties, the drama, the failings of autism - the system, the expenses and the exhaustion. But, in honor of World Autism Awareness Day and Light it Up Blue on April 2 - I’d like to paint a rosier shade of blue, more akin to the purple that I adore. Besides, that’s how I roll: don’t cry me a river; instead, light up a spectrum. Light it up Blue!

I live in a state that doesn’t provide autism care; every service must be fought for, burdening our family with financial and emotional struggle.

But…I give thanks that we live in the U.S.*, where the following is true:

My child was born in this time when basic human rights are honored.

He was born at a time when autistic people are not institutionalized.

He may live at home and enjoy our healthy family life, with traditions and love. We support him, teach him.

He can learn. He is given the right to FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education). Parents are an integral player in education plans.

He is given the option for inclusion with typical peers: in school, in sports, in extracurricular activities.

He is cared for by professionals who have years of education, certifications, must continue to re-educate, re-certify, stay current with treatment modalities.

He is taught innovative therapies designed for autism by professionals who specialize in his disorder.

Today’s mental health studies are humane and based on therapeutic progress; not torture or medical experimentation of not-so-distant history.

Physical restraint and seclusion is no longer the norm, but a last ditch method for compliance in schools.

He is protected from bullies by laws which get more stringent day by day.

Discriminating, degrading words like the “R” word (Retard), Crazy, Insane, Mental, Wacky are discouraged.

Electronic surveillance with cameras, videos, phones and internet protect him and deters poor treatment, bullying, or abuse.

Criminal and employment background checks are required for staff working with my son.

Safety information, devices and systems are being developed and deployed to save our autistic wanderers, a daily threat to many families.

Story link: wpri.com

Autism information is at our fingertips 24/7 with thousands of books, websites, Facebook posts, blogs and articles.

Therapeutic products are widely accessible and fairly affordable.

Parents and siblings can seek support services and respite care. Public and private organizations strive to help.

Autism is no longer a mysterious “mental illness” to be frightened of or stigmatized, but a disorder with a wide spectrum of abilities and gifts to be discovered.

My child can freely wear his label on a button, t-shirt, bumper sticker. He can author a blog, wave a banner proudly, star in the media. He can participate in a support group, fundraiser, or association. So can family, friends, teachers, supporters.

I’m proud of my Autistic son.