Accepting Autism...

In our home, accepting our autistic children was never an option...it was a given. From the day each of them were born, we have watched them all grow and become very delightful children.
We became their biggest fans and advocates when they needed us to be. We became extremely good at scheduling therapies and doctors appointments. Our children have been lucky to have the same speech and occupational therapists for years. They know us and they know our children.
Lately, I have become saddened by what I read on Autism forums and support groups. I have decided not to visit them anymore. The people who try to debate with the biomedical community are often berated and ridiculed. Certain members of these boards, and they know who they are, are so stuck in curing their children, they do not want to even converse about the options.
Since leaving these groups, my head has become clearer. I am not bogged down by negativity and hatefullness.
I have found a support group for persons who accept their children. I found positive people. I found people who truly love their children for whom they are and find their quirks part of who they are meant to be.
I have found mothers and fathers of all ages, with autistic children, who have determined the options to "cure" their children are far to dangerous than is necessary. These are people who have researched chelation, HBOT, IVIG, etc. For these parent's, the risk far outweighs the uncertainty.
In our homes, we have children who are getting better every day. Going to school, making friends, riding bicycles, participating in sports, etc.
In our home this is being done even with the labels of Autism.
This is being done even without chemical interventions.

I realize the naysayers are blogging that I am a lazy mother. They believe me to do nothing to help my children. That my ego is as big as Soapbox Moms....and for that I say Thank You....
To be compared to mothers such as Soapbox Mom is a compliment. I know how hard she works at keeping a happy family. I know her son has progressed and she and her family should get most of the credit for that.

You see, we live in the REAL WORLD. A world where you do not have to be labeled Normal to survive. A world that we hope will accept our children as much as we do. We can take our children out in public and not worry about their behaviors. We can take our children to birthday parties and stores without putting a label on them for all to see. Because we don't look at our children as Autistic children. We look at them as Our children.