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9 Things I Have Learned About Autism From My Son

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I wish I could have found this article when my son was diagnosed with autism.

I wish someone could have been honest and blunt.

I have decided to share nine things that I, as a parent, have learned about autism. Everything in this list is formed from my own opinion. I understand if you do not agree!

1. There is no cookie cutter form for autism. Just like every “normal” person is different, so is every autistic person.

2. Autism can affect every moment of your life.

3. Autistic kids, even children who are nonverbal, are often more aware than they may seem. It may seem like they are not paying attention when, in reality, they are hanging on your every word.

4. People may stare at your family. Why does everyone stare? Are they curious? Are they being judgmental? I have just started staring right back.

5. My son has learned from various sources that he can use his autism as an excuse for poor behavior. We do not accept this. At home, he is treated like everyone else. Autism is not an excuse.

6. We have high expectations of our son, and we are going to do whatever it takes to help him get there.

7. A lot of kids with autism fixate on things and “obsess” on every aspect of these things. I know way more than I need to know about Super Mario, the Titanic and submarines lost at sea.

8. Just because my son is labeled as “high-functioning” and verbal, doesn’t mean we do not have challenges. We do.

9. There is not enough autism awareness. Too many people only have a vague notion of what autism is, and it is usually completely off. The spectrum is large, and there is so much that we do not understand.

Autism has become a part of my life.

I wouldn’t change it.

I love my boy with all of my heart.

I love everything that he is, and I love what he has taught me.

A version of this post appeared on themadmommy.com.

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Originally published: March 21, 2016
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