Autism Awareness to Autism Pride- The ongoing journey

Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance to Autism Pride

John C Maxwell says we all want to go far but it is how far we go that matters?

         - The Potential question. 

I decided to pen this post as I self-reflect this year for World Autism Month. Every April since 2011 when Autism became reality for our family, I take time to reflect how much I have grown alongside my son in our Autism journey both as a mom and an Occupational Therapist. 

April 2^nd used to be Autism Awareness Day and then it changed to Autism Acceptance and now in my eyes it is Autism Pride month as I am so proud of my boy and the personal growth he continues to grow and invest in every day. 

Shifting from performance-based goals to growth goals and embracing Neurodiverse Affirming strategies.

 As an Occupational Therapist mom to my son, I was guilty of wanting my son as a three-year-old to follow the rules, communicate verbally like a neurotypical kid and meet expected norms for language and social interaction. His performance was my goal as that is what I knew then- to meet these norms so that he could fit in. As Ben has walked and grown in his journey, I grew too, and my mindset and beliefs have changed and been transformed to focus now on our growth goals. Growth goals focus on strengths and our growth gaps, and we all have these gaps irrespective of how our brains work. So, I shifted my mindset from seeking compliance from my son to being strength based so that his true authentic self could thrive and he could be valued for being who he is - a unique and differently abled person.

From Autism Awareness to Acceptance and now Autism Pride by embracing his Authentic Autistic Self

In 2011, my focus and drive were to bring awareness of Autism to my own family and inner circle as my son is Autistic. My own walk and mindset had to shift from awareness to acceptance and it wasn’t an easy shift but with time, personal growth and unconditional love for my sweet boy, this shift occurred. April 2^nd has always been important as I worked with these amazing kids in my professional career, but it changed perspective and meaning when my son became part of this awesome community. Awareness was important for us 12 years ago and then it was taking steps towards acceptance so that we could support our son. But today, acceptance is not enough, and I have shifted my acceptance to Autism Pride as I am so proud of the growth and Ben’s accomplishments as a differently abled teen. I am so proud of his drive, resilience, grit, and his purpose to add value to everyone he meets. Above all, I am proud of him being authentically him and thriving in his strengths. Focusing on Neurodiversitty Affirming practices provide a voice for my son to be authentic and work on his strengths. We all thrive and grow when we focus on our strengths and move away from deficit based medical models.

How I communicate matters as it becomes my child’s inner voice

         Working with families of Neurodivergent kiddos and as a mom myself, I had to develop and be intentional to grow in my communication to my son. One of the first things I do intentionally now when I meet a new family, is to validate that they are doing an amazing job as parents and caregivers and that their child is uniquely gifted in areas that we are going to explore together so that the child can become the best version of themselves. Communication begins with connection and connection develops when the child feels safe, trusts the adult and their primary needs of sensory and language are met. Just because a child is non-speaking doesn’t mean they don’t comprehend what is being spoken about them and we must be mindful and intentional when we are communicating. Positive affirmations and strength-based language such as you are loved, smart, unique etc. always brings a smile to my Ben’s face. What I say to my son, becomes his inner voice and ultimately that builds or breaks his self-esteem and worth. Self-esteem, values, and worth are developed in the home and the community, so we all have a role to play as a community.

So, this April don’t just be aware and accept but be proud to be in the circle of care and recognize that the influence an Autistic person in your life can be unimaginable. 

As John C Maxwell asked the potential question of how far can you go?? I know that my boy will exceed his potential as he works hard with diligence, excellence, integrity, and he has the support and love of his family who will walk beside him. 

I am blessed and proud of my Ben and all the kiddos who I get to serve as their Occupational Therapist as they go beyond their imagined potential.