P-R-O-M.

More photos to come. :-)

Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness month, a topic near and dear to the hearts of those in Tuney-land. The statistics are growing and absolutely staggering - when Jackson was diagnosed, it was 1 in 150 kids. Today, it's 1 in 110. The cause is unknown, despite the fanfare you'll hear in the news about chemicals, environment and (worst yet) immunizations. There are no conclusive links except for the fact that it's genetic.

If I could make five wishes about this month, they would be:

1) Education. I believe so many of our negative interactions with the world come from others not knowing and/or understanding that my perfectly NT (neurotypical) looking kid is articulate and brilliant with a secret side dish of social deficits, super-hearing, super-smell and serious sensitivities to unexpected touch. What kind of world would he live in if those around him (and not from our manufactured and modified world we create for him) knew how to better interact with him? Knew why he, and so many others, approach others and react the way they do?

2) Compassion. Walk a day in someone's shoes who has autism. Ever see the movie Temple Grandin? First, if you haven't- DO! Second, there is a poignant scene in the movie where she is trying to figure out what is spooking animals. Temple drops to her hands and knees and suddenly sees, hears and smells an extraordinary amount of helpful information. This is typical for someone on the spectrum - on their knees or not. They often see clearer, hear more and feel more deeply. What if started to understand what a day in the life is for these adults, teens, children and their families?

3) Appreciation. Instead of seeing the bad - look at the good. We talk a lot in our home about the special 'gifts' that have come along for the ride. Hearing, SEEing everything (and I mean, everything!), noticing the small stuff, smelling the details, knowing math intrinsically. There are so many gifts... what kind of world would we live in if we could help them truly believe in their gifts and not doubt themselves because of what others think?

4) Friends and Fairness. Autism can be very lonely. Without the social skills other kids have, many of these kids are rely on learning these skills from their support systems. In the process, for many who are mainstreamed, there is the worry of bullying, acceptance and being different. Although I love children (I clearly have two) I think they can be a bit like chickens - noticing something's different and picking over time. My wish is that each child on the spectrum be awarded just one or two good friends. I also wish for acceptance of each and every child struggling on the spectrum. What kind of world would we live in if it were simple? Friends being friends, no notice of odd words, gestures or otherwise.

5) Recognition. This is for the pioneers figuring it out, but this is ESPECIALLY for the teachers, therapists, educators and specialists who have dedicated their lives to children, teens and adults with autism. We've seen first hand the challenges they choose day after day because they want to make a difference in the lives of others. In our case, these people have helped shape our child to learn, grow and have fun along the way. To this group, we are forever endebted.

Last but not least, take notice. I did not include a wish that Autism never existed. As difficult as it can be, it has imprinted our souls and lives of many others. It's existence begs a true appreciation for all things and much brilliance through the years. Without it, maybe we'd run the risk of becoming complacent. With it, we have gifts that were never expected and a view most will never see.

Inspired? Check out Autism Speaks and The Autism Society of Minnesota. I personally challenge you to make a difference.