April 04, 2017
What Does Autism Look Like?
April is National Autism Awareness Month, and although diagnoses for this disease have skyrocketed in the last 20 years (1500%, in fact), there are still so many stigmas surrounding this disease, what it looks like, and what it means for the children and families who’ve been handed this diagnosis. Today, we’ve compiled a handful of stories that show the diverse sides of autism. Awareness is key to compassion, and the more knowledge we can spread about what autism is and what it means, the more we open our world to acceptance and kindness for others whose worldview is perhaps a little bit different than ours.
To start, 9 things you should never say to the parents of an autistic child. “But they look so normal!” being at the very top of that list. “Not saying anything is the worst of them all. Parenting a child with special needs can be very isolating. Don’t ignore their children or pretend they don’t have any when you talk to parents. They’d rather you say any of the well-meaning (but off-putting) statements above than just avoid us altogether.”
What is it like to learn, as an adult woman, that you have autism?
Sesame Street has welcomed their newest Muppet, Julia, who is autistic and has so much to share.
Did autism help drive human evolution?
10 things every child with autism wishes you knew. “I find some noises, smells, tastes or lights stressful, frightening or even physically painful. Touch can overwhelm me and I might not like hugs. But I can experience details that you might miss – that I can enjoy and find funny or exciting – so come and share these things with me.”
Parents of autistic children face major challenges when they go outside as a family. This illuminating piece shares the perspective of a mother of autistic twins, what it’s like to take them out and about, and the ways others out in public can help most.
We’ll be sharing more articles about autism on our Facebook page — follow us for more news about National Autism Awareness Month, as well as adoption-related features, articles, and blog posts!
