I guess it’s our time to shine, people are finally talking about autism. Although I was hoping it wouldn’t be like this.

It has been two years since I have shared here. Given the current climate, I felt it was important to share a few things.

Outrage, anger and attacks are not going to help autism families. Even if you feel as though you are doing it on our behalf. Let’s slow down. Learn, listen, educate and advocate vs. react.

Many of you don’t know what it’s like to watch the news and see that a child who shares your son’s diagnosis has been kicked off a plane, discovered in a river, or their innocent life taken for being misunderstood.

You likely have not been told that your child may never play baseball, go on a date or have a job. Those things are a given for most outside of the disability community.

I cannot let myself imagine what it would be like for my son to hear these things. We are raising him to be immensely proud of who he is, and this includes his disability.

I will tell you that parents of autistic children silently hold onto hope for a lot of things. And that hope is heavy. But none of those things mentioned above are a measurement of worth or proof of a better lived life.

My son is not who you hear about on the news or see in the movies.

No one is.

Like stars in the sky, each autistic human has their own place in the infinite sphere that is autism spectrum disorder. No two are the same, each journey all their own. So is mine, as the mother of a beautiful, unique, and complicated boy.

My son is smart, athletic, funny, kind, and curious. He also struggles greatly. Some days anxiety has such a grip on him that I wonder if I will ever be able to help loosen it.  But I do know that I will never stop trying.

Please, take the time to get to know autistic humans. It is not enough to just be aware that they exist.

Observe, learn, and listen to the unsaid. If communication is a barrier, ask their parent or caregiver about them. And not in the way of how they function or “when will they” …  Ask what makes them happy. Be patient. Include them.

Our blue-eyed boy finds joy everywhere, and if you give him the chance, he will help you see it too.