So……if I’ve calculated correctly… next month is April. (where is this year going? Flying by!) While most people think of spring and flowers and Easter, April represents something else to me too: autism awareness month. Yep a whole month of it.Â
If you’ve read 30days for awhile or poked around here, you probably know that I’m an autism mom. My oldest, now 12 (!!!!) was diagnosed at 2. It’s been quite the ride. You can read more about our journey in my (unfinished) “the A word” series.
By now you’re probably wondering what this has to do with Y O U. Well- next month I will be doing an autism awareness series. It won’t be a whole month. It will just be scattered posts here and there. I’ve already asked some amazing people to join in on the fun. So my question to you is- what do you want to know? Do you have questions? Anything in particular you’d like to see? Let me say here (as my third grade teacher would say) – there is no such thing as a dumb question. Ask away.Â
While the series will highlight awareness, I aim to have it apply to everyone. There will be crafts, tutorials and more. Kinda like this post:
Puzzle Rice Crispy Treats & printables
So dear friends, sweet readers- leave your ideas, opinions, thoughts here.
Thank you thank you thank you!
hannah singer says
i just love you! excited about this!
Beth says
Mique,
I would love for you to highlight the importance of using people first language. There are several good resources on the internet. I am the Clinic Director at a Center for Autism and a pet peeve of mine is hearing people use incorrect language regarding autism and disabilities. As with any disability when describing it the person should always come first ex. my son has autism vs my autistic daughter, a girl with autism… vs an autistic girl, my neighbor has a child with autism vs my neighbors autistic child. Something to think about… when describing a child with cancer would one say a cancer child vs a child with cancer? I hope this small change in our language can support the idea that a child isn’t autistic, a child is A CHILD who has autism! Thank you and so excited to use the printables!
Deborah says
This is a great series that you want to do. My son is almost 2 1/2 and he was diagnosed with Autism at age 2, so we’ve only been down this road for a little while now. Maybe you could share about potty-training (we are doing this right now), educational ideas/tips, or some crafts/projects that we can use in this realm, like a DIY weighted blanket to help with sleep.
Maggie says
I, too, am an autism mommy. I have run into the issue of other people denying or refusing to recognize autism because it doesn’t fit a particular “description”. I think it helps to know there is no definitive look to autism, it is individual, just like the person. And you are dealing with a PERSON not a disorder. Also, people with autism have amazing strengths, it would be good to focus on the strengths they bring.
I also believe those with autism have the necessary thought process to unlock all those things we cannot, like a cure for cancer and other maladys. We need to give them the tools, time and respect to enable them to reach their potential.
Shannon @SewSweetCottage.blogspot.com says
I just found your blog last week, and I am an autism mom too! Just started a craft blog and decided to include stories of my son and our journey with him. Sewing and crafting helps me get through all the crazy stuff and celebrate all the small victories!! I wouldn’t be who I am without the trials of dealing with Autism, what a blessing–even though it comes with a big kick sometimes!! So glad to find another Autism mommy blogger! Thanks talking about it!
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Zinedine says
I am autism father myself. Lately, we are having a great success with animal therapy
maggie b. says
I’m interested in learning more about “the spectrum”. My college roommate has a son one day younger than my youngest. He was diagnosed with autism at age two and now, at six and a half, has tested “off the spectrum”. He clearly is still a beautifully, different kid … but what exactly IS the spectrum?
Evani says
I stumbled upon your blog for craft ideas and I loved reading about your journey as an autism mom. I run an autism study in Sacramento, CA and I really enjoy reading the perspective you offer as a mom. :)
Mique says
Thanks so much Evani. Nice to meet you! ;)
Ruth says
I work in libraries and we had a great group of teens visit 3 of our libraries and do autism awareness training with our staff. They said what it was like to have autism (quite a diverse range of kids came) and then said about things that could make their visits better or worse. We made a few changes after they visited – things that were so simple like putting pictures on shelves to help them find their favourite books more easily (this was one of their suggestions). One of the really heartwarming outcomes was a member of staff saying “I have a borrower who has autism – its so obvious now and explains so much about how he is…I thought he was just rude” – now THATS what its about! x
Mique says
Ruth- I love this comment!! I love that you work in a library. I love that you had a group of teens go in and do autism awareness. I love that your library made changes. And I especially love that the staff member had an aha moment. What an amazing experience. And it’s totally what it’s all about!! So great. Thanks for the comment. xo
Tracy Ippolito says
I’ve been following u on twitter for a few months and didn’t realize u were an autism mommy, me too! We are working on a website now to donate a portion of the sale of chia seeds(we sell on amazon) to the autism society of Alabama. I luv your blog and am so excited to see what u have planned for April. The journey is so difficult somedays, but jeremy has taught us so much and we adore him.
Mique says
Hi Tracy- autism mommas unite. ;) I couldn’t have said it better- the journey is difficult, but my J has taught us so much and we adore him. I’m excited for April too. Thanks so much for the comment. xo
Andrea says
I am an autism mom too, I am looking forward to your posts about autism. I would love to see something about how to encourage friendship or just play between my son and other typical kids.
Thanks!
Mique says
Hi Andrea- awesome! I’ll definitely talk about this. My son’s school (he’s in a typical school but a special day class) has worked VERY hard to create real, true lasting friendships with the other six graders. He attended six grade camp this year! But I realize that isn’t normally the case because of all the other schools he went to before this one. Thanks for the comment!
Pam says
I am also an Autism mom, so I really appreciate your post. I am sending you an email with an idea I had.
Mique says
Hi Pam! I got your email- just a hectic week so I haven’t had time to respond. I promise I’ll get to it. And I love your idea. ;) xo
Pam says
I am an autism mom too, times two. What a ride! And a lonely one at times. I would love for you to share where to find autism-related items like cookie cutters, stamps, punches, etc. I love to celebrate the different outlook my children have; it is so refreshing.
Mique says
Hi Pam- what a ride indeed. ;) And definitely *lonely*. I think that’s one of the hardest things- feeling like nobody can really relate. It can be really really hard sometimes. I’ll share where I’ve found my autism things for sure. I love that you love to celebrate your kids different outlook. Having a child with autism has given me a very different perspective. Thanks for the comment!
Desiree says
What are some of the signs of autism? How can we help autism families in our communities?
You are an amazing mama Mique. I love you girl!
Mique says
Oh Desiree how I love you! Always so sweet and supportive. Thanks for the questions- I’ll make sure to cover those! xoxoxo
Lisa R says
Mique, thanks for approaching the subject of autism. It’s so prevalent that people should be expecting to come into contact with autistic individuals daily. My son is 9 and was diagnosed when he was 6. What a blessing he is!
Mique says
Hi Lisa! Yes it is so prevalent- I think talking about it is important. And I feel the same way about my son- blessing for sure! ;)
Christina says
Oh… If I could bottle our conversation(s)…. xoxo
Not so much a question but maybe helpful pointers on how to support and talk to someone who has recently found out their child was autistic… I have another one but I can’t quite figure out how to word it properly right now.
Mique says
I LOVE talking to you Christina!! I wish we lived closer so we could get away and chat for hours all the time. ;)
I’ll definitely highlight some pointers on how to support someone who is new to the “club.” xoxoxo