Light It Up Blue and Our Autism Story
Our son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder six years ago when he was aged 3. The beginning of this journey was hard; things were delayed, the screaming didn’t make sense, the sensory issues were hard to deal with, repetitive play was frustrating. Those early days have greatly improved thanks to an early diagnosis and lots of therapy!
Last year during “Light it Up Blue” our son learned that he has Autism. Every year we celebrate this event by changing the lights on our house but this was the first year that he noticed and asked “why”?! We told him that we do this to celebrate him and to help people understand what Autism is. He is now very proud to tell his friends and family that he has Autism and that simply means he is AWESOME!
As a family we choose to push through the challenges and we choose to see the opportunities. We celebrate every milestone and victory. Below are a few lessons that we have learned on our journey:
Be Thankful! It is very easy to be negative…choosing to focus on the problems and things that go wrong. Let’s be honest…there are days when we wonder how much more we can handle but in those moments I remind myself that we have lots to be thankful for: our son is healthy, we have a home and food to eat, we have a loving and supportive family, he is surrounded by caring and supportive teachers and staff. It’s all about perspective and choosing to be thankful!
Laugh a Lot! Life is too short not to have fun! In our home we laugh until our sides hurt or someone has to run to the bathroom. We plan activities, play games and watch movies…memories to last a lifetime. Family vacations are also a huge part of our lives. We take a road trip every summer and this has become something we all look forward too.
Be AWESOME! We see our son’s “challenges” as opportunities for growth…to be more awesome! When he grows…we all grow and learn with him. We never let obstacles define who he is or what he can do. He may never play ice hockey (he hates the tight helmet and skates) but he can sure play street hockey and nerf guns with the kids on our street! He is awesome in so many ways and we wouldn’t change a thing about him!
We are Lighting it Up Blue for Autism Awareness again this year. We actually Light It Up Blue for the entire month of April! Would you help bring awareness by Lighting it Up BLUE for Autism!
Associate Director, School Psychology and Mental Health, Pacific Western Region
8 年Thanks so much for the share!
Digital Health & Product Strategy | Program Development | Child Psychologist | Committed to Improving Whole Health Outcomes | Consultant | Neurodiversity Advocate | 2e Cuban American
8 年Wonderful story with an empowering message!
Supporting the development of the whole child
8 年I love your article, Janice Sneath! Thank you for sharing your family's story.
Chief Growth Officer | Transforming the lives of people through evidence-based solutions that improve services and care available to vulnerable populations.
8 年Thank you for sharing, Janice! Love that your son proudly tells people that he has Autism and that simply means he is AWESOME!!!! What a great mind-set to have at such a young age!