A new study indicates that 1 in 88 children will be diagnosed with autism. One in 88, that is quite a number. Then again, I thought, we have come so far in the ways we are helping these children that the numbers do not faze me, but just reminds me of the increased awareness and knowledge we have gained over time about this disorder . On the eve of Autism Awareness month, I revisited my web page (started about a year ago for graduate school) and read my story one more time…this is what I had to say….
Perhaps the most compelling reason behind my desire to learn about special education and share my knowledge about special needs children is because I am a parent of one. There are stories of parents who remember the exact time, date, place and even the clothes they were wearing when they heard the fateful words, “Your child has autism”, I don’t. The only vivid recollection I had about hearing those words about my child was our desire to start doing what needs to be done to help him lead as close to a normal life as possible. It is not an easy task; I will not undermine the hardship and struggles of being a parent of child with special needs. My perspective though is quite different; I would rather see my son for what he is, and not for what the world thinks and expects him to be. I have embraced the reality of his nuances and his eccentricities; I have learned to understand his need for routine and organization. I have also been fortunate to have him look into my eyes and tell me, “Mommy, I love you”. My son is 10 years old now, and I continue to be amazed at the things he can do and not focus on the things that he cannot. He has taught me in more ways than any teacher, class, or book could ever do. He has changed me in ways that has made me a better person. We are on a journey together, it may feel like a roller coaster ride at times, but every so often, if you just focus on sun shining on your face and the wind blowing through your hair, it’s not as scary as it looks.
My son, now 11 is about to finish elementary school and move on to middle school. I am often daunted by that thought because of the new challenges it will bring, but I find myself unusually calmed by the realization that I need not worry. My son has shown me that he can face challenges, more bravely than I can, and he will be fine. He has shown me that with time and effort, the struggles become a source of strength, far beyond what we know we have. That is where my hope springs from…in the heart of this boy I call mine.