Navigating Autism with Love and Understanding
Chloe Nickie
Higher-end women's shoes at reasonable prices. All profits are donated to organizations that support Autism.
Today, I want to share some personal stories that hold a special place in my heart. These stories revolve around my incredible cousin, Chloe, who has illuminated our lives with her spirit and resilience. If you have a child (or person who is important to you) on the spectrum or experience autism, feel free to share your stories, too. Let's uplift and celebrate this amazing community together.
Memory One: We went to Great Wolf Lodge Adventure years ago when I was six or seven. My cousin Chloe was a source of love and joy in my life. Standing in line for a ride, surrounded by murky puddles and the echoes of exhilarating screams, I noticed Chloe becoming fussy. She didn't like waiting in line, a challenge that stemmed from her difficulty with communication. Back then, I didn't understand the complexities of her experience. As she grew agitated, people cast disapproving and questioning glances our way. My face flushed with shame, but looking back, I realized how challenging it was for Chloe. Communication made expressing her feelings a struggle, intensifying the situation.
Memory Two: Our family travels to Palm Springs, California, every Thanksgiving. We're at home in the desert's warmth and charm. Chloe adores these trips, filled with backgammon matches, late-night conversations, swimming sessions, and the occasional cousin tussle. One year, we brought my dog, Teddy, along. Chloe, wary of dogs, kept her distance. However, something magical happened one day. I walked into a room to find Chloe sitting crisscrossed, petting Teddy. With her iPad in hand, she showed Teddy her Talking Tom game, describing it in a way only the two could understand.
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As I witnessed this unexpected connection, a surge of emotion overcame me. I was excited while simultaneously in awe of her ability to overcome her fears. She approached life with unfiltered happiness and reminded me of the saying, 'Seize the day.' Despite her initial fear, she gave Teddy a chance many might not have given her. In that moment, the depth of Chloe's capacity to live and love made me truly grateful to have her in my life.
Thank you for reading these stories and sharing the journey of understanding autism. Chloe's experiences reflect the resilience, joy, and perspective that individuals on the spectrum bring to our lives. Autism is still widely misunderstood, so let's spread awareness. Share these stories with your friends and family, and join us in standing for understanding, empathy, and celebrating autism. Together, we can create a world that embraces and uplifts every unique journey within the autism community.
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