Autism Awareness Day

I have reconsidered some of what I have written about autism.  I think it's okay to say, "Hey, I said some things I wouldn't say today."  And so the post goes "poof"!

If you'd like to know more about autism, click here.

8 comments:

Tony Waters said...

Dixie I would love to become Amish :) Everyone talks about accepting neuro diversity and difference but without the help of dedicated people such as parents,teachers and even that person who lives in the next street it would not be happening. I am really grateful to the people who are working with my son they are helping to have such an impact on his life that for the first time in ages I feel that the future is looking better for him.
Today here in the UK is Mothering Sunday and for the very first time without prompting I had a hug and a verbal " Happy Mothers Day " I could not have been given anything better :)

Dixie Redmond said...

Tracy - I'm so glad for you! It's amazing the difference other people can make in our children's lives. We have to humble ourselves sometimes to let that happen. :-)

When my son was younger I would say, "I love you" and he would answer "Yes, you do." Now on Mother's Day he has such a proud smile as he offers me a card. Isn't it great? :-)

Mollye said...

Beautiful post on awareness. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Dixie, this post brought tears to my eyes! What a remarkable young man, and what amazing progress he has made, thanks to his parents and others God has sent to support you. I wish I could have heard his comments to the judge. The "sometimes we have to do things even if we don't like it" comment made me laugh and tear up at the same time! Some of the adolescents I teach are having a hard time facing that reality in their lives. I can hear echoes of your son's parents in that one, I think. :o)

God bless you and your husband and sons as you navigate this new path of adulthood for A.

Healthy.One

A Magical Whimsy said...

Hi,Dixie
Thank you for your post about your son. It makes me realize I am not alone in the desire for progress to continue for my son, who has Down's.
Ty is 19 and a half and has a wonderful tutor, who is actually my oldest son's girlfriend, who happens to have a job teaching autistic children who range from one spectrum to the other...just like in Down's children. My son is 'grown up' in his mind and wants to be called a man and not a boy.
He is a very good helper around our home, and does things on his own without being told to.
Maybe some day we will find a place that will give him a job too. I still fear for his safety that he will walk in front of a car in a parking lot as he seems to have 'no fear'. It is a constant, daily, protection of a handicap child that is the hardest part of it all. As he will never be able to live 'on his own' but God knows all things. Oh, and one of Ty's favorite foods is French fries too!
love and hugs,
Teresa

Dixie Redmond said...

Thanks, Teresa for your comments. I'm amazed at how many of us share a similar journey.

Healthy One - knowing that you are praying and rooting for us really encourages me. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Dixie. I just stumbled upon this old post of yours and had to comment. First of all, thank you for so openly sharing about your son. It sounds like he has grown in so many ways, and you must be very proud.

I worked and lived in a home where people with and without disabilities share life off and on for five years...have you ever heard of L'Arche? It's really an amazing place and it might be fun for you and your son to visit one some time for some community and company. I see you live in Maine (my favorite state!!! My husband and I used to visit all the time when we lived in Cambridge, MA). The closest L'Arche to you is a bit of a drive in Haverhill, MA, but if you're ever down that way it might be worth checking out. Here is the L'Arche USA website: http://www.larcheusa.org/

Also, I have a dear friend who writes beautifully about people with disabilities (she too worked in L'Arche with me and has a brother with autism). You might enjoy her blog: http://awishcomeclear.com/blog/

Blessings to you and your family! I look forward to reading more of your words and learning more about art through your blog. :)

Dixie Redmond said...

Thank you, Allison for commenting. I'll definitely check L'Arche out. It sounds wonderful. A writer I used to read worked at a L'Arche.


"Do not let what you cannot do
keep you from doing what you can do."

John Wooden