World Autism Awareness Day

I started a post on Facebook this morning and it turned into a longer post than what I really meant for it to, so I decided I'd just blog it out rather than having a mile long post.  Ha! Anyhow, today is World Autism Awareness day!  YAY!  The whole month of April is actually Autism Awareness Month, so I intend to post (actually "share" others' posts) quite a bit in the world of FB. I'll try not to be too obnoxious with the posting because I know it gets old.  But, if you start getting bombarded with autism posts and think to yourself "oh my gosh, I wish these people would STOP",  here's a little insight as to why I share....

I could recite all the hurtful comments, horror stories, and just plain mean reactions that we've endured with our daughter, but it would take forever and it's just not helpful. Know we deal with it frequently and we try put on a brave face and grow thicker skin, but it still hurts. I absolutely hate when people use the excuse "well, she doesn't know better", or "she's oblivious to it happening."  She's not.  I can see it in her eyes.  She knows when she's not accepted.  She knows when the other kids don't want to play with her.  She knows the adults that don't want her around.  She sees when people say hi and love on her sister, but leave her out and never acknowledge her existence.  She knows.  Just because she can't speak it doesn't mean she can't feel it.  These are things that torture my heart.  So I share.  Not to rant about those things, but to provide hope for a future where this type of treatment is nonexistent.  I would LOVE for Paisley to see a day where people look at her without judgment.  I would LOVE to see a day when people acknowledged her nonverbal limitation without pairing it with stupidity or lack of intellect.  I would LOVE funding for research to help these people live their lives to the maximum potential.  I would LOVE to see a world where people offered help rather than apathy and irritability in the midst of struggling.  And most of all, I would LOVE for these people to experience love the way Jesus loves.  (Ok, I actually want this for everyone...not just people with autism...but it seems like people with autism are significantly shortchanged in these areas).   

We all have passions, awareness podiums, etc, and this is one of mine because it's extremely personal to us.  Designating a month or a day seems a little silly to those who deal with it daily, but I participate because I am proud of the organizations that take a stand and bring awareness.  No matter what their campaign....if they are educating others, funding research, and promoting acceptance, I back them 100% and appreciate their advocation.  

Thanks for reading!  Love ya'll!

Autumne