-
How I define my child, . . . .a must read
- Apr 6, 2009 at 11:58 AM
- By
- Comments (9) Total Views (132) Everyone can see this journal post.
When someone ask you about your children, what do you tell them?? Do you have a boy/girl? How old are they? Do they do well in school? What are their hobbies?
When someone meets your child, Do you say "this is Steve, he's a boy. He is 17 yrs. old" Probably not, because at age 17 if they can't tell that he is a boy then there is a problem. Well, when they meet my 9 yr old, they know that there is a problem, because most 9 yr olds are more mature than my young AUTISTIC child.
No, my definition of him is not Autistic, first. he is a bright young man with a good imagination. He loves Dragons, and wants to grow up to be a Super Hero Pastor, I'm not quite sure what a Super Hero Pastor does, but if it is something that my boy wants to do, it must be great!!!
Most of the time, I will not introduce him as Autistic, because that much is obvious!!! Just like my 17 yr old is a boy, you look at him, and know that there is something different about him. So if you are unfamiliar with Autism, then I supply the word, because I am so sick and tired of people calling him a retard, and yes, I have had adults call him that to his Face!!!! It hurts him like you wouldn't believe to know that he is not accepted into your world because his Brain works at a Higher level than yours!! Yes, I said that my 9 yr old son is smarter than you!!! How many of you could do advanced Algebraic equations in your head, read a 20 chapter book in 2 days that was assigned for the advanced reading 10th grade class to complete in 2 weeks, all at 9 yrs of age. No my son is not retarded, he IS AUTISTIC!!! and if I don't tell people that, than I am making Autism something to be ashamed of! My son should not be ashamed of who he is, and your comments on his disorder should be made in a way that does not make him feel that it is wrong for him to be Autistic!! I did not choose to have an AUTISTIC child, but now that I have one, I couldn't imagine life without him.
YES!! My son is Autistic. and I am proud of him!!
I posted this last year and got a lot of good comments on it so I thought I would re post it. My son is 10 now, and doing well. He is still reading, but has decided there are more exciting things to be than a super hero pastor. Now he wants to be a water bender or a dragon trainer. Yes, he knows it is not real, but he has a great imagination.
My son is excelling in school and in life. He is making great accomplishments everyday, and one day I know he will be ready to go out into the world and be his own person
Tags: autism awareness
Comments:
yes amen.
I agree with all you said. When introducing my twins I do not mention they have autism unless it's warranted. IE--going to a new salon for haircuts, etc..... People will either love them for who they are or not. I too have had people make comments and it irks me. One lady asked my how old they were and when I told her she said "Oh they don't talk very well" How rude some people are.
My twins are beautiful little girls who happen to have autism, not beautiful austistic girls.
Great post! It's not just people with Autism that face that type of descrimination though. (I refuse to say "autistic people", no matter what people think.) I have Bi-Polar disorder, and I get the same sort of reaction. People don't realize that having a mental disorder dosn't make you any different. Bi-polar is not who I am, it is something I have, and its the same thing with your son's autism. I'm glad that he is doing so well!!!
Wonderful post... And I think I want to be a water bender too, it sounds like fun!
first of all i know how you feel my son is autistic and non verbal on top of that and i love him and ive had people call him retarded and treat him bad mainly alot of people where we live and some of his teachers a few years ago but let me tell you honey i didn't take that i stood up for my son and i know now it wasn't right but i snapped on the teachers for talking bad about him he is far from being retarded. your story brought tears to my eyes god bless you and you and your family are in my prayers
Thankfully, I haven't had to deal with this sort of thing yet, as my son is still quite young (19 mos old). But I know it's coming. If someone had said that to me, "Is your son a retard," I probably would have snapped and said, "No. Are you an a**hole?" and left it at that. Just to show that ignoramus that you shouldn't make assumptions like that because of how someone looks or acts. I'm so glad to hear that your son is doing so well. It gives me hope for my son's future!
Great post! I have a ds that will be 10 in July. He was dx'd w/ PDD NOS in March 2004. I have had someone tell me before, too not to be surprised to have him classified as retarded. I have never had anyone tell him or me, which is smart for their sake, that he is a retard. my son is very special and I could not imagine my life w/out him...or my dd. I love them both and they are both gifts from God! Way to go...keep it up! Sarah :)
When Barret was first diagnosed at the age of three with autism I had a very hard time telling other people. I did not want to stigmatize him, and I hated the word "autism". He is now seven and I have no problem letting people know. I am also quick to tell them he is highly intelligent. He has very limited verbal skills but he is improving in that area, and he still has inapproppriate behavior at times. I have worked very hard to give him a positive self image, and I know when I tell people about him they are less likely to be ugly to him. Like so many other children Barret can seem very "normal" at times. I always remind myself of the bee that does not know he can't fly. I am pretty sure if Barret could express himself he would tell you he does not have a disability. Autism will always play a part in his life, and I want him to like who he is. I know he is a sweet loving child, and I tell people I would not trade three "normal" children for him. He has taught me so much, and I feel truly blessed to have him!!!
Want to leave a comment and join the discussion?
Click here to register for CafeMom
Already a member? Click here to log in
Around CafeMom
Check out some of the most popular topics today in Answers:
Amen!