Many (many) years ago, I read a book in high school about a little boy with a rare disorder. At that time, few people had ever heard of it. I’d already chosen my term paper topic, but my English teacher allowed me to change it to Autism when I asked. She’d never heard of it and was interested to see what I’d learn. I could only find a few mentions of it in three different books I was able to find. I learned very little, and most of what I learned at that time has been proven to be inaccurate. Little did I know my interest and heart would be captured by this issue.
Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of children as a teacher, tutor, Sunday School teacher, daycare worker, preschool teacher, youth services coordinator at my local library, and in our local home school group. I remember those children who were different, odd, funny, curious, and sometimes upsetting. I now know some of those unique children were on the Autism Spectrum. At the time, they were a mystery to me because no one understood or knew what Autism entailed.
I remember one fella who struggled at our daycare. He seemed detached, wouldn’t make eye contact, and hated to be touched. He was impossible to control. He threw things, screamed, refused to eat, or he’d grab food off other children’s plates. We were at a loss on how to deal with him. He was happiest outside in a swing. He’d swing as high as possible and would’ve stayed outside to do it all day. I often think of him and wonder if he ever got the assistance he needed. My heart aches for him now. His family moved away, and I never saw him again.
Fast-forward several years. What I did learn in my small private school, as I taught students on the spectrum, has been challenged. I incorporated ABA therapy in a limited way with my students. It was a nontraditional school, and we applied several different strategies to students who struggled. Some of the things I felt were excellent teaching methods have now come under attack. So, all of us are learning and growing in our understanding of Autism. What it means to be Autistic, and how to best help these individuals reach their potential.
Recently, I’ve had a remarkable individual in my community offer bite-sized lessons on her journey of discovery for herself and her son. Her story is powerful. She has unearthed great nuggets of truth about her life and her son’s life. I played a small part in helping her along her way, and I’m so proud of her. The one asking for advice is now giving it.
For now, I’m an advocate for those on the Autism Spectrum. I advocate for up-to-date teaching methods and personal acceptance of those on the spectrum. Awareness needs to move into acceptance. Those on the spectrum will act differently and respond differently, but we must learn to respect their differences. I look back on that young high school girl doing her term paper with amazement. I didn’t know I was on a life-long journey of learning.