Dear Friends,
As the holidays approach, we hear many heartfelt messages about giving thanks. Truly, when we stop to count our blessings, the blessings always far outnumber our challenges.
But being thankful doesn’t always relieve the added (and often overwhelming) stress and anxiety that parents and their loved ones with autism feel during these times of family reunions and celebrations.
As a parent of three young adults, one of whom is on the spectrum, I have both war stories and loving, laughing memories like many of you. Having learned, finally, from my own experiences, I offer a few guiding thoughts to younger parents and to family members and friends who may be new to the world of autism.
1. It doesn’t matter what other people think – it never has, and it never will. To quote Dr. Seuss, “...those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
2. Arrive when you can, not when you must, if it makes a difference to your sanity or to the comfort of your loved one on the spectrum.
3. Ask for help. You deserve a holiday too – and you’ve more than earned it. If compassionate friends and family can spend a little time in individual or small group settings with those with autism, everyone will benefit. You’ll get a break, your adult child will have experienced social connections, and your family members will grow in understanding.
4. Remind those who are uncertain how to respond that the aversion to being with familiy and friends is a consequence of autism, not a symptom. Difficulties in communicating do not indicate a lack of curiosity, intellectual interest, or emotional needs. As Naoki Higashida, the 13-year-old author of The Reason I Jump wrote, “For sure, there are bad times when we cause a lot of hassle for other people, but what we really want is to be able to look toward a brighter future."
That’s what we and those who support Madison House Autism Foundation care about as well – helping Naoki, other young and older adults, and families to benefit from a brighter future. That is our raison d’etre, and with your help, we’re making that dream possible.
My heartfelt thanks, as always, to each of you.
Oh, and number 5 - Keep counting your blessings!
Sincerely,
JaLynn Prince
President and Co-Founder
Madison House Autism Foundation
|
