Spreading "Awareness"

When you have a child with Autism, it can sometimes feel like you are always "searching" for just the right "piece" that will make everything come together and "fit" for your child. I read somewhere recently that there are over 500 treatments available for Autism. Wow, hard to know which one to try, huh? What makes things even more difficult is what works for one child may not work for another. There are all kinds of unscrupulous people out there that will claim they can "cure" your child of Autism. Hmm, okay.  I have always been of the mind of trying to "modify" the behaviors that Dominic exhibits as common traits of Autism, like the poor eye contact, "scripting" speech and improved interaction with peers and adults.  We still struggle with asking him "why" he feels a certain way. That has been and continues to be a constant struggle for him. I wish that was a "piece" that fit better in the "puzzle." Okay, I'm switching gears a bit here. The other day I saw a website that was actually selling shirts that said, "I'm Autistic, Not Stupid" and "I Have Autism, What's Your Excuse?" Yikes. I believe there are better ways of "educating" those around us about Autism, don't you think? Being that this is Autism Awareness Month, yesterday afternoon, I had an incredible opportunity to be interviewed  about what its like to be a parent to Dominic.  First and foremost, I wanted to let the wonderful gal that interviewed me know that he is just like any other 10-year old boy, except he just so happens to have Autism.  I wish when people met a child or adult with special needs that they could look past the disability and get to know the person first. Wouldn't that be cool? I think about the amazing and awesome people that I would have never met in a million years if Dominic didn't have special needs. I like to think that each "piece" of  his "puzzle" represents a person that has helped our family. Let's just say, we have a HUGE puzzle! As I have said before, when you are parenting a child or adult with special needs, it affects the ENTIRE family. I felt so blessed that I was able to be interviewed and share my opinions yesterday. If I can help just one person out there feel less alone, then I will be a happy lady. Okay, back to those two shirts I was talking about earlier. I don't know about you, but I think this is a much better way of spreading "awareness" about two things I am very passionate about - Autism and the disability ministry that I am ecstatic to be a part of!!