"Colourful People in Heart Shape"
by Pixtawan
Autism Awareness
I’ve been
discussing the topic of “Autism Awareness” with some other mums recently, and
one of the most impassioned phrases, which became the core of our conversation
was – “How can we help with strengthening the message for all?”
We all, as
parents and carers of our children on the Spectrum, hope that the awareness and
understanding of the Autism Spectrum will become ‘universal’ one day, and that
complete acceptance and respect of their beingness will just be.
But for this
to be realized, the compassion, empathy and soulfulness of those who may
struggle with concepts of understanding the uniqueness and individuality inherent
in humanity, needs to be captured in a way that information offered for
understanding and accepting those on the Spectrum is provided in a non-confronting,
non-aggressive way so as to glean positive interest and a willingness to listen
and observe.
Some people
are innocently unaware of the dynamics of the Autism Spectrum and may keenly
listen to information offered, and yet there are others who may feel that if a
subject has nothing to do with their lives, they are not interested. This may
be upsetting for some who are living with or associated with the Spectrum – but
realistically, as the old saying goes – “You can’t lead a horse to water”. Not everyone will, unfortunately, want to
listen to the important ‘awareness’ messages, but many others will.
One thing
which I feel is important, when advocating for and aiming to create awareness
of the Autism Spectrum to family, friends and the wider community, one must be vigilant
in being sensitive to autistic persons awareness that they are being spoken
about and support rallied on their behalf. We must ‘work’ with our autistic
friends and family members and always keep in mind the dignity, rights and
feelings of the person on the Spectrum. Sometimes exposing, for example, a
behaviour challenge of an autistic child/teen/adult to the public eye may end
up being a vision of humiliation for the autistic person.
There are some
videos and exposés illustrating perceived typical behaviours (etc.) of a person
on the Autism Spectrum which are beautifully, respectfully and honourably presented
for others to learn about Autism from. But, there are also some ‘illustrations’
(through video etc.) which are not in the same category of dignity and respect,
which, when the autistic person realizes (becomes aware) of such
an ‘exposé’, this may be a source of humiliation and disdain. There can sometimes be
a very fine line between getting the ‘awareness’ message out there and
combining such with respecting the dignity of the person on the Spectrum.
There are many
wonderful organizations, groups, individuals and persons on the Spectrum doing a
fine job in creating and increasing awareness of the Spectrum. I hope I am
perceived as being one of these persons who supports and advocates in such a positive
manner. After all, the Autism Spectrum is very dear to my heart and an indelible
part of my own family life.
Some, who may
not have reached a level of understanding, empathy and awareness which we may
hope for, may be ones who perhaps have not experienced a relationship with a
person on the Spectrum; whose own life experiences may not have availed them of
a willingness to be open to embracing the differences of their fellow ‘man’;
whose ‘belief system’ may not allow the inclusion of others who are different
to or oppose what they perceive as ‘normal’ or acceptable to them; or whose fear
of difference holds them back from breaking down such self-held barriers and
allowing themselves to be free to learn and be open to new ideas and information, and/or to experience reciprocal communication with another.
For those who
do warmly and openly embrace difference (differing abilities) and welcome
learning about what others can show them, teach them and enrich their
understanding of the infinite and diverse skills abounding in this world all
peoples can offer, will be the ones who don’t need ‘convincing’ or impressions
made upon them of the uniqueness of another. Such persons may seek to learn
more and/or help others to be open to gaining such knowledge and understanding.
Some may become concerted advocates for those who deserve greater understanding
and support.
So, if I may,
I’d like to offer a ‘list’ below of some personal elements which need to be inherent
in one if they are to be truly able and willing to experience awareness,
acceptance and understanding of the Autism Spectrum and the wonderful persons
who live with such as a unique part of their lives.
To be AWARE,
UNDERSTAND and ACCEPT one is able to offer another
Recognition of
differing abilities and acknowledgement
Respect of
ones being
Recognition of individuality
Acceptance of
ones right to be and value to self and others
Belief that
each of us has a place in this world
Willingness to
communicate and respond in a respectful manner
See no
barriers between communicating souls (religious, cultural, ethnicity, age, sex
[M/F] etc.)
Recognize human rights and right to be unique
To whom we
promote AWARENESS of the Autism Spectrum;
Some or many
will see;
Some or many
will see and hear;
Some or many
will, see, hear and listen;
Some or many
will, see, hear, listen and care;
Some or many
will see, hear, listen, care and embrace;
Some or many
will see, hear, listen, care, embrace and want to learn more.
Blessings and
peace to all
for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities." 
and loads of information for interested parents, advocates and educators alike. 
, 
by Donna Williams,
by Dr. Temple Grandin,
by Stephen Shore, are just some of those unique and invaluable sources of 'insider' information and education regarding living with Autism and what it means for the individual and their experience of life.
