Not Broken, Just Brilliantly Unique

People seem to think because I am a Republican, that I agree with everything the Right says…That couldn’t be further from the truth. I agree with many of the policies and ideas that president Trump has, but I certainly don’t agree with a lot of the things that come out of his mouth. Business wise, he’s a smart man, but boy (for the lack of a better term) can he make an ass of himself with some of the things he does and says.

Today is one of those days. I absolutely do NOT agree with RFK or Trump on the theory that the consumption of Tylenol during pregnancy causes Autism. The first case of Autism was discovered in 1747, Tylenol wasn’t invented until 1878, so that kind of blows that theory. The links they speak of have not even been proven. Trump compared autism to “other health burdens”. Any health diagnosis can make life difficult or challenging, but in my opinion, unless you have a child or grandchild who has autism, or are someone who works with the ASD community on a daily basis, you have no idea what it’s like. Often people speak of the difficulties that come with some of the people on the spectrum, but the spectrum is so wide, no two people are alike even though those with autism have many of the same characteristics. The difficulties can be labels by others, communication barriers, sensory overloads, melt downs. It can be difficult to navigate in a world  that doesn’t always understand or embrace the differences or needs of a person with autism. It can be stressful and it can test your patience. It can be very hard, but autism can also be inspiring and beautiful. Every moment of struggle seems to balance out with a moment of wonder. Autism is not a disease, it’s a disorder in medical terms. If you read my blogs, you’ve often heard me quote Genesis 1:27 That God made us in his image…yes, all of us, and that includes people with autism.

While working with children and young adults with autism, I have seen resilience, creativity and joy that is pure and unfiltered. As a Paraprofessional, I see every day how these kids push boundaries and change perspectives. They remind me that learning doesn’t look the same for everyone. One size does not fit all. Some days I wonder if they are teaching me more than I am teaching them. They teach me patience, creativity and compassion on a daily basis. I truly cherish my students, even on the more difficult days, because the rewards of working with this community are much greater than the struggles.

On a personal note, I have a grandson who was diagnosed with Autism. He is not non verbal and does not have many of the struggles those with severe autism have, but he has his own. Maybe I am bias because I couldn’t love this kid more if I tried, but he is one of the most loving, gentle, creative, intelligent, kind souls I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I honestly don’t think there is anything I would change about him, autism or not, he in my eyes is just an amazing human being. Why God chose to give him to our family is beyond me, but I will forever be grateful that he did. I don’t think it is autism that defines Collin, but if it contributes to who he is, then it’s a gift. Some of my most cherished memories are when he was just a toddler and would sleep over and we’d lie in bed in the wee hours of the morning, when everyone else was sleeping and we would have the deepest conversations. I’d get a glimpse into his mind and it was just so pure and wondrous. The way he thought then and still does was like no other conversation I have ever had with any of my own children, nieces or nephews. He had/has a different way of thinking and it’s absolutely fascinating. Collin truly is a gift to this world and I can’t wait to see what he contributes to it as he grows into manhood.

To love someone with autism, whether as a Grammy, a paraprofessional, LNA or friend is to learn to see the world differently and once you do, you realize how beautiful that difference truly is.

So although I agree that research is important, the more we understand autism, the better we can support the ASD community and their families. With research, someday maybe we will be able to prevent some of the struggles that come with it. One thing I feel deeply though is that parents who have an autistic child should never carry guilt, they didn’t do anything wrong. Taking Tylenol or anything like it, did not cause it. Autism is not a reflection of a parent’s shortcomings and children (or adults) with autism do NOT need to be fixed, they are not broken. All they need, is the basic needs of every one else, love, support, understanding and acceptance. 

“Yet you Lord, are our father. We are the clay and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

This scripture honors God’s design, even when we don’t always understand it.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14

A reminder that every child, including those with autism, is wonderfully made in God’s image.

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:3 Spoken by Jesus about a man who was born blind, it reminds us that the differences are not defects, but opportunities for God’s glory.