Why I Write this Blog

I’ll be honest. I’m not feeling particularly inspired today about writing. Nothing terrible has happened – I just couldn’t think what I wanted to write or if it even mattered if I skipped a week.

Then I thought about taking Blue (my dog) to the playground the other day. It’s completely covered in snow and we were the only ones there. She ran and sniffed while I sat and watched her.

As I was sitting there, I noticed a sign stating the playground was only for those under 12 and remembered the stares we got when Casey wanted to play on the playground a few years ago.

It is a huge wooden structure and is plenty big enough for adults. I’ve been through most of it so there’s no danger of Casey or Rob breaking something. But, as Rob was swinging and Casey exploring, I saw the stares. I heard the comments. One person pointedly read the sign a little louder than necessary. I ignored her, but most of me wanted to say, “You are obviously well over 12 – why are you playing on it?”

I didn’t, though. I watched Casey and Rob to be sure they weren’t bumping into little kids. And noticed they were the only ones being careful (though I’m sure most of that was due to them not liking strangers! 😊). Other kids were knocking each other down and not paying any attention to the smaller kids.

But – we got watched closely. We got the comments. We got stared at.

Because we were different.

And that’s why I write this blog.

So maybe the next time a family goes to a playground, they can just sit and enjoy it.

Maybe the next time a family is having dinner out and someone is flapping their hands with excitement, no one will stare.

Or if someone is sitting at the table with headphones to block the noise, they won’t hear comments.

Or if an adult gets overly excited about buying a new Elmo, no one will care – they will just enjoy her beautiful smile.

Or if another someone yells power ranger names when he sees colors together (party aisles are so tempting – everything neatly organized by color! 😊), other customers won’t blink an eye.

I do this so other parents don’t feel alone when they are tired, frustrated, scared and alone. I’ve been there – it’s a terrible feeling. Hopefully, some day, no parent – typical or special needs – feels like no one understands their life.

I do it to share hope – to show things do get better.

And, of course, I do it to share laughter, because autism can be hilarious at times. I have to laugh – it keeps me young! (Not that I haven’t cried, too, but laughter is so much better!)

So – share this blog wherever you can. Help me show the world how awesome autism can be. Help me bring more awareness and acceptance. Help me bring hope to exhausted families.

People with autism are incredible and the world needs to know it! 💙