Wrapping up Autism Awareness month

April is coming to end and with it another annual Autism awareness month.

I don't typically call my son Autistic, or on the spectrum. I'm just not comfortable with labels and boxes. It's not that I am in denial. Believe me...we are reminded every.single.day that he has an Autism spectrum Disorder (ASD).

I myself am on the spectrum, and while I am very high functioning (in my opinion) I have my own special list of issues that I live with in my daily, sometimes hourly life. ;) To my friends and family it may seem like I am just being a pain in the ass, a brat, or bitchy. I'm okay with them thinking like that...because honestly...many people treat you like crap when they think there is something wrong with you. I'd much prefer being treated like a brat than someone who is incapable.

I'm not broken. There is nothing wrong with me. My mind just works differently than yours does, and honestly...I wouldn't have it any other way!

I think being this way gives me an advantage as a parent. I am able to understand what my son is seeing, feeling, and experiencing in the world. I can be more patient. I have a compassion and empathy for them that is much different than their father.

People see my son as an average boy and for the most part he is, and I am thankful for that! What happens behind closed doors is handled behind those safe doors. Some of his peers at school have been subjected to his meltdowns which range from crying to severe outbursts, and I am sure that many of them think he is just immature.

What people don't realize is this. I am exhausted. I am emotionally drained. Between the sheer volume of work raising 4 children comes with, I have to deal with toddler tantrums, a 9 year old with ADHD, a pre-teen daughter and all of her lovely hormones, and a teenage son with ASD.

I don't consider myself to be super woman. I don't do anything perfect, near perfect, or even to completion. Most days I am lucky to just connect the dots and get everyone the right medications and sent off on the right buses. Ha!

I don't look for sympathy from others for what I endure with parenting special needs children. It's why i don't talk about our family dynamics that often. Those who are closest to me know me and know me well. They've seen our daily life and they know what it's really like.

I hope that with awareness comes change. These kids need more services. they need more time and attention. They deserve a chance. If we had more services available for them they could become productive members of society and use their brilliant minds for greatness.

As we wrap up this month I thought I'd share a few links for Autism education, awareness, and support. I'm not soliciting for donations for any one organization. These kids need acceptance almost as much as the services that donations contribute to. I'm just asking that you consider making this cause one worthy of your time, and if you have a dime to spare...that's just icing on the cake!

The Autism Society
Autism Speaks
Autism Awareness Online