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Can we talk about autism?
In the 1920s, my dad’s 1st cousin was born. In those days, people didn’t understand autism. Dad’s cousin was frustrated by his inability to communicate. He lashed out, sometimes violently. As a result, he was chained to the woodshed for 30 years. 1/11
In the 1920s, my dad’s 1st cousin was born. In those days, people didn’t understand autism. Dad’s cousin was frustrated by his inability to communicate. He lashed out, sometimes violently. As a result, he was chained to the woodshed for 30 years. 1/11
I imagine you’re feeling a bit horrified reading this. I sure was when Dad first told me the story. I asked my great-aunt how could she live with what she’d done? 2/11
In those days, parents were faced with 3 choices: An “asylum” where he’d likely be mistreated and living in squalor; an “accident” which took his life; or chain him to a place to keep him and her other 18 children safe. “We did the best we could. We loved him.” 3/11
Fast forward to the 1960s. My autistic cousin had language delays. Didn’t talk until he was 8.
When he started school, kids called him a “retard” & shunned him. He was far from stupid, in fact quite brilliant. He also wasn’t deaf. He carries those cruel memories today. 4/11
When he started school, kids called him a “retard” & shunned him. He was far from stupid, in fact quite brilliant. He also wasn’t deaf. He carries those cruel memories today. 4/11
My grandson was born in the 90s. He was not diagnosed until his 20s. He had food aversion and self soothed by rocking. He would get so focused on what he was doing, sometimes he wouldn’t hear his parents. His father thought he could beat the behaviors out of him. 5/11
If he rocked, refused to eat, or “ignored” his parents, out came the belt. His broken heart hurt more than the multitude of whippings he endured. Some scars never heal. 6/11
In 2011, my grandson had a son. In 2014, he was diagnosed. He has speech delays (receptive & communicative), food aversion, & sensory issues (particularly noise). He received help. Early intervention. Speech, play, & occupational therapy. His progress has been stellar. 7/11
He is, by far, the most amazing child I’ve ever known. His ability to focus and recall detail is astounding. But the best thing about him is his heart. He’s kind and caring. Love is his super power.
I adopted him in 2016. He’s now my son. My heart. My universe. 8/11
I adopted him in 2016. He’s now my son. My heart. My universe. 8/11
You often hear “all autistics are different. If you’ve known one autistic, you’ve known one autistic.” Autistics are people. Why wouldn’t they be different from one another? People come in different shapes, colors, sizes, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, & disabilities. 9/11
At the same time, all autistics are the same. The same as one another. The same as you, me, and every other human on this planet. They need kindness. Acceptance. The freedom to be who they are. The respect all who inhabit the earth all are entitled to.
Unconditional love. 10/11
Unconditional love. 10/11
I know this was a long read. I just wanted to thank those of you who stuck with me to the end. My family’s journey shows how attitudes towards people change over time. May we all come to realize no one is less than. No one is better than. We are simply different. 
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