I don’t know why, but as an autism mom myself,  I chuckle at the idea of Autism Awareness Month.  I get it. It’s a great way to educate people and bring it all to light. However, every day is autism awareness in our house.  I imagine other families feel the same way.  It can be a lot of doom and gloom.  It can bring up feelings of jealousy at all the NEW screenings that are out there NOW that your child didn’t have back then. It can also make it hard on you because every year you want to “light it up blue”. If only you could remember to pick up that blue light bulb at Home Depot. You see, it can bring up a a lot of “If Only” and What If” thoughts in your head.  Sometimes I find myself just counting down the days until this month is over so I can forget.

This year is a little different. April 19th marks the 9th year since Sofie’s diagnosis. She is almost 14 years old.  Looking back at all of the progress she has made and where she is now is overwhelming.  She plays soccer through the Rec. Dept. and was on the cross country team last fall.  This spring, ironically, this month she will be a giraffe in the Lion King Jr. Musical at school. She sent me this selfie from her Iphone! I just need to let those words soak in for a minute.NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have seen this coming! She has been attending rehearsals until 8:00 at night and has become so responsible and accountable. Being a part of this has shown her that she matters.  She knows that no matter how small the part, you still have to work hard, show up ready and practice a lot! Seeing her in this light I have to let you know what you really need to be aware of when it comes to the Autism journey.

Be aware of truly compassionate people who want to reach out, without any agenda.

Be aware of people who believe in your child more than you do.

Be aware of limiting your child because of your own fears.

Be aware of other autism moms.  They need your friendship and someone who just “gets it”

Be aware there will be times you will dance in the kitchen just because your child did something remarkable, like spoke a complete sentence or expressed their own independent thought OR they just said milk please?

Be aware you will see life from a completely different perspective.  This perspective will make you a better person.

Be aware you will give up on perfection. Yes, that means a messy house with Little People lined up like soldiers, rows of shoes on the living room floor or whatever their obsession may be.  This is bringing your child some sense of comfort and control that he doesn’t have anywhere else.

Be aware you will grow in ways you NEVER could have without this child in your life.

Be aware there is a God that dreams bigger for your child than you ever could imagine.

Be aware that God has a plan for you.  This is your journey too.

Be aware after reading this you might want to flip me off because you are just not there yet.  That’s okay,” I get it.”