Autism Awareness A Mother’s Perspective

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Here are a few things we would love for people to know:

1) Autism looks different for everyone. From level of functioning to communication to social skills – it really is a spectrum. If you’ve met an autistic individual, you’ve met one person with autism.

2) It’s okay to be curious and ask questions to better understand how autistic people (and their families) experience life. For example: “Tell me what autism looks like for your child.” This helps open a discussion of ways to interact with and support others in future encounters.

3) If someone in your life is diagnosed, prioritize selfeducation and familiarize yourself with resources. It’s often helpful to connect with a community for ongoing support and recommendations. Ask a lot of questions and don’t be afraid to advocate for the child – and yourself.

There is still much to learn about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but we have made strides and raising awareness helps continue to move the needle. As mothers helping our children navigate life with autism, we want the same thing for our kids that most moms want: for them to be treated with kindness. n MUNITY