April is Autism Awareness Month, and tomorrow* is “Light it up blue day” for autism awareness. I had planned to write a scathing post about the problems with the prominent organization Autism Speaks.
You know what? I’d rather share love.
I got Google Fiber installed this afternoon (yay!). The technician and I were talking about the weather, and I mentioned how nice it was to go outside to recess. He asked what grade I teach, and I gave my standard answer of “middle schoolers with autism.” He stopped fiddling with the Google box and turned to look at me. “Can I ask you a question?”
He proceeded to tell me about his preschool-age son, and the boy’s tendency to–“well, sometimes when he plays with his toys, he just lines them up.” He told me about how difficult changes in routines are, and that his son stays glued to him rather than exhibiting a typical sense of curiosity – although “give him a minute and he snaps out of it!” He uttered the phrase “traits of autism” like it took every ounce of courage to admit it. The boy he sees is his son, who is particular with his toys and maybe shy. He doesn’t see a disability.
He asked me what he should do.
I tried to explain that autism is a spectrum, and every person with autism is different. I gave a certainly-confusing description of Asperger’s, “which your doctor won’t mention because it was combined with autism in the psychological description.” I suggested that if he’s not seeing problems at home, don’t stress about obtaining a diagnosis. I advised that getting a diagnosis will enable his son to access services, if needed. I told him I’m so sorry, I can’t imagine how scary it must be to not know how best to help your child.
What I did most helpfully was listen.
What are the odds? I’m glad this man is the person who came to help with the internet (he didn’t even judge me too hard on my network name!).
What would you have said differently? The parents I work with now are many years past the initial shock. It’s not something in the forefront of my consciousness.
I hope something I said helped him.
P.S. My wifi is named “Butts II.” (My network from my previous provider was “Butts,” duh.)
*I published this on April 1; I had not yet figured out the timezone settings on this thing, so that’s why the date is wrong!
Tracy Tales 