Autism awareness month is around the corner and although the world lit up in blue is nice, there are many ways to support autism that are far more helpful than purchasing a light bulb.
1. Talk to your kids about autism and ask what they know about it. Many schools don't include kids with autism as much as they should, making it difficult for kids to even get to know someone with autism or even creating the idea they shouldn't. Encourage them to learn more because peers have an enormous impact.
2. Find out if your school supports inclusion because it's good for everyone. If they don't, teach your children that no one likes to be the odd man out, ever, and let the school know you support it.
3. Look up autism friendly activities in your community and get involved. You don't have to give money and you will learn much more giving your time. You might also find there aren't enough of them and can help change that.
4. See a parent with a child in a meltdown, be KIND.
I once had to carry my son out of a store, he's half my size, and a while he was screaming and kicking I held a door for a woman who watched me in disgust and never said thank you. Same woman followed us to the parking lot and watched to see how I would handle the situation. Never be that woman! Hold a door for a struggling parent and smile because it matters in that moment more than most people understand.
5. Call your local therapy programs and ask if there is anything you can do.
These programs are always in need of supplies in some way. Bubbles, craft supplies, or even a non noisy toy donation can help. ABA therapy is proven to make an impact and those programs need support.
6. Donate sensory friendly toys to places with waiting rooms.
I can't tell you how many waiting rooms we have sat in that have nothing my son is interested in to occupy him while we wait. I can tell you how many have had sensory friendly items and it's two waiting rooms in five years. People stare because he won't sit still but don't realize his motor skills don't allow him to sit and color with a box of broken crayons.
7. Don't get all weird when someone tells you their child is autistic.
I have watched people get weird when I say autism. They look again at my son and I can see the inner pity stewing like they just discovered he has a disease. They try not to say the wrong thing or they have no idea what to say and it's gets weird. Just relax, autism is not uncommon these days.
8. Ignore the description of autism the media gives us.
Autism is different and each person is an individual. Routine and detail is a given but don't assume someone with autism is withdrawn or can't socially connect. That is the most damaging and dehumanizing description of autism we all hear all the time and be aware it's false.
9. Like an autism awareness page.
You can learn a lot from just reading information on a lot of the pages and there is a ton of them. Some have fans asking questions and others try to help or give advice which is a really good way to see some of the challenges, triumphs, differences, and similarities. I personally have been given great advice on my own awareness page by parents who do and do not have children with autism.
10. Think now and think local.
Autism Speaks is huge and they do a lot but the majority of Autism Speaks budget goes towards research. Research is good but the reason my son will play baseball this year is because a group of people created a program locally for kids to have that chance now and I can bet when we are all out there watching our kids have fun no one will be thinking about research. Don't get me wrong, a blue light on will still let someone know you are aware and that's certainly a good thing but any of the options above make an impact now while science sorts out the rest.
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