April is Autism Acceptance Month, and today is World Autism Awareness Day! Join us as we share insights from a few of our stylists whose lives have been affected by autism.
Alderwood stylist Stacy:
My 4 year old son Ryker was diagnosed with autism 3 months shy of his 3rd birthday. I didn’t know much about autism at the time, I just knew it affected social interactions.
My life has changed tremendously since the diagnosis. The knowledge I have gained and the patience I have learned for the sake of my son has been eye opening. Through learning how to advocate for his needs and educate those around us, I truly feel better for being his mom!
I wish more people knew that every individual with autism is different! Just like typically developing/developed people, they have strength and weaknesses. They just see the world differently, and process information in different ways.
Snohomish stylist Katie:
Bennett, my 14 year old son, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. I didn’t really know much about autism before the diagnosis – I had heard the word used before but had no idea what it was.
Our lives have completely changed since the diagnosis. I feel like it has changed the way I look at life and people in a good way. I can relate more to people and have found that life isn’t just about making varsity sports or getting straight A’s. For us, it’s more about the little wins. Bennett has a huge, kind heart with the most sincere soul.
I wish people could understand that autism doesn’t always look the same. It affects each child and family different. These kids just see the world in a different way. They are just as sweet and just as smart it just looks a little different than the “typical child”. We have created a cookie cutter world in which these kiddos don’t fit, and I wish we could be more adapting to them instead of making them adapt to us. I have learned so much about patience and gratitude and parenting throughout this journey. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Every day is different and can be a struggle, but in the end it makes us stronger!!
Thank you to Stacy and Katie for sharing your story with us!
Check out the following websites for more information on Autism Acceptance and Awareness:
CDC: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Awareness Day
M-CHAT Free Autism Screening Test