My daughter does not have a disease like cancer…despite what PETA or Autism Speaks might imply.
My daughter is not God’s vengeance…despite what Toni Braxton may have once thought.
My daughter is no more a potential killer than any of you…despite what the Washington Post might say.
My daughter, Brooke, has autism.
She IS autistic.
Is being autistic all sunshine and rainbows and unicorns?
Um, no.
Are there days that Brooke struggles mightily, in part because she is autistic?
Sure, no doubt.
Are there days when Brooke excels, in part because she is autistic?
Absolutely.
***
Words matter.
Stigma matters.
Demonization matters.
The way Ms. Braxton or PETA or the Washington Post or Autism Speaks talk about autism undoubtedly has led to unnecessary tragedy. I am not trying to convince a struggling parent that their autistic child is a gift from god, unless you believe that ALL children are a gift from god. I am not painting a picture that is all rosy and “happily ever after” when an individual or family receives an autism diagnosis. I am not trying to hold a scared parent’s hand and say, “everything will work out fine”.
BUT…
But individuals, parents, families and friends need to understand that autism and being autistic is NOT a death sentence like cancer can be…
Individuals, parents, families and friends need to understand that autism and being autistic is NOT a punishment of the parent for some imagined slight against his or her god…
Individuals, parents, families and friends need to understand that autism and being autistic is NOT an indicator of murderous tendencies any more than being any other member of the human race is…
***
My daughter is autistic.
She struggles a little more than others.
She also giggles and smiles a little more than others too.
She sees the world a little differently than you or me.
Sometimes that hinders…sometimes that helps.
As her parents, Jess and I do what we can to make the world a friendlier, easier place for her to exist in, while providing her with skills that will allow her to navigate it.
***
For the love of whatever deity you pray to, please stop seeing her as a diseased punishment, hell bent on hurting people.
My daughter is autistic.
She is different.
And that is okay.
She IS driving…
Run Luau Run 