Acceptance vs. Awareness
It is estimated that 1 in 59 American children are affected by autism. 1 in 59 is a powerful soundbite. It’s a startling statistic. That’s why it’s so important - so critical - to remember, when we quote the statistic or talk about autism - that each of those “ones” in 59 is a full, whole, wonderful, valuable person, filled with gifts and potential and talent.
Our son, Alex, is a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Alex catches and reflects light like a prism. Alex lives big and loves hard. Alex laughs a deep, hearty laugh with every part of his being. Alex finds his way into the hearts of and changes every single person he touches for the better. Alex loves without reservation and is more authentically himself than any other person I’ve ever encountered. Alex has a beautiful, rich, complex – and yes, different kind of mind. Alex is fully deserving of all of the respect, dignity, rights, assumptions of competence, potential, and worth afforded to any other human being.
I long for a world in which Alex and other differently-wired children are accepted, included, embraced, and valued. A world where they are not segregated and made to feel less than. A world in which they don't have to prove themselves on an IQ test in order to have access to challenging curriculum and meaningful interactions with their peers in general education classes. A world where their neurotypical classmates know their name and want to interact with and include them. A world in which they have the services and supports they need to live full, rich, meaningful lives in their communities.
Autism awareness is easy. Wearing a puzzle piece ribbon for one day a year is nice but changes nothing. Acceptance requires effort. Acceptance is recognizing any discomfort you have with someone's differences, realizing it is your issue to work through and then making a conscious effort to overcome that discomfort.
Awareness should never be the goal, just a step in the right direction. Keep this in mind as we kick off #autismacceptancemonth. Ask yourself, what are you doing to help move your friends, co-workers, neighbors, schools, and communities beyond #autismawareness? How are you progressing, and helping others progress, towards a future that accepts, embraces, and includes autistic individuals?
Please consider the ability you have to positively influence the opinions and perceptions of those with differences. Accepting and embracing each other, differences and all, is important. It's important to me and to my family. It’s important for Alex and others like him. It’s important for the world our children are creating.
Our son, Alex, is a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Alex catches and reflects light like a prism. Alex lives big and loves hard. Alex laughs a deep, hearty laugh with every part of his being. Alex finds his way into the hearts of and changes every single person he touches for the better. Alex loves without reservation and is more authentically himself than any other person I’ve ever encountered. Alex has a beautiful, rich, complex – and yes, different kind of mind. Alex is fully deserving of all of the respect, dignity, rights, assumptions of competence, potential, and worth afforded to any other human being.
I long for a world in which Alex and other differently-wired children are accepted, included, embraced, and valued. A world where they are not segregated and made to feel less than. A world in which they don't have to prove themselves on an IQ test in order to have access to challenging curriculum and meaningful interactions with their peers in general education classes. A world where their neurotypical classmates know their name and want to interact with and include them. A world in which they have the services and supports they need to live full, rich, meaningful lives in their communities.
Autism awareness is easy. Wearing a puzzle piece ribbon for one day a year is nice but changes nothing. Acceptance requires effort. Acceptance is recognizing any discomfort you have with someone's differences, realizing it is your issue to work through and then making a conscious effort to overcome that discomfort.
Awareness should never be the goal, just a step in the right direction. Keep this in mind as we kick off #autismacceptancemonth. Ask yourself, what are you doing to help move your friends, co-workers, neighbors, schools, and communities beyond #autismawareness? How are you progressing, and helping others progress, towards a future that accepts, embraces, and includes autistic individuals?
Please consider the ability you have to positively influence the opinions and perceptions of those with differences. Accepting and embracing each other, differences and all, is important. It's important to me and to my family. It’s important for Alex and others like him. It’s important for the world our children are creating.
#autismacceptance #autismawarenessmonth #awarenessisnotenough #autism
