The Autism Label
Parents
dread an autism label because of the stigma associated with a disability.
Before my
son was diagnosed, there was always a concern about knowing something was not
ok, but not being able to figure out what it was. Being first-time parents
didn't help much, either. The reason I write this post is many parents remain
in denial, not realizing the label is a pointer to the services and help they should seek for the child. Until, up to that point, you are battling an
unknown, and the fear of the unknown can be worrisome.
How you
approach a diagnosis of autism also
makes a huge difference. Once you have a diagnosis, parents with intention,
effort and discipline can jujitsu with autism. A label gives you the
understanding to process what's happening with the child in terms of sensory, cognitive, physical challenges and
take suitable measures.
First, a
label can help you take positive action. Being cognizant of the facts is
winning half the battle.
Second,
you see the world from your child's perspective. The more you
understand the child, the more time you
will put in more time in accepting the child rather than
wrestling with autism.
Third, it
opens up a community of caregivers, parents, therapists, resources and you
realize are not battling alone. The solidarity of a community itself can bolster
spirits.
Wondering why it happened to us, pondering on how life would be without autism, looking for an uncorrectable deficiency in the child; will turn our lives into a never-ending struggle every single day. It can be exhausting and depressing. Understanding the challenge allows to determine that it's important enough to try.
As parents, we need to show up day after day and make good stuff happen for our kids. Stringing together one day after another, one step at a time. It doesn’t matter if you are at a trot, canter, or gallop as long as every day is forward progress. Just say on the horse!
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