30 Days 30 Ways to Help Someone with Autism
Happy to run Cathy Jameson s post from last April. We know that we spend 365 days a year helping our loved ones with autism. But, since it s April, here are 30 ways for the 30 days. Share your own ideas in our comments. Here s a translation that a reader created too - Abril: 30 Días De Autismo En Acción Para Ayudar A Familia y Amigos
Thanks.
action
: (verb) the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim; a thing done; an act.
April is labeled Autism Awareness Month. When it comes to autism, with 1 in 68 children diagnosed by a potentially life-long disorder that affects one’s independence, communication and socialization skills that can also impact the neurological, digestive and sensory systems, awareness only does so much to help those affected. For some time now, activists have been asking for autism action instead.
When Autism Doesn’t Speak
By Cathy Jameson
On a rather busy morning last week, the phone rang. As I reached for it, I cleared my throat and said, “Hello?”
“Good morning. May I please speak to Ronan Jameson?”
I hesitated and was able only able to utter, “Uh…”
I immediately felt uneasy and somewhat annoyed. Most everyone who calls the house knows that Ronan cannot speak. Who was this person was and why did she need to talk to my non-verbal son?
I politely asked, “Who’s calling, please?”
“This is Cindy. I’m calling from the diaper service company.”
And Another Reason
By Cathy Jameson
As I turned the calendar page to May, I thought of this old post that I’d shared with family and friends a few years ago. I wrote it in response to people wanting to celebrate autism during the month of April. I was stunned. Celebrate it? Really?
The other reasons?
The loss of gained skills. The cognitive challenges. And, if I may be so bold, the loss of future potential. Why would anyone ever ask us to celebrate any of that? We can t. And we won t. We will, however, celebrate Ronan and the joy he brings to our lives. And let me tell you, there is so much joy that that little guy brings to our family!
Step-by-Step
By Cathy Jameson
I had a meeting last week with some of Ronan’s people who help coordinate some of his services. When we coordinated a time to go over everything, one of the gals made sure to mention that it could be a very long meeting. It was. The agenda included a review of what Ronan can do. It also included what he can’t do. I had to answer a slew of questions that covered life skill, daily living skills, and safety skills. As the parent of a special needs child those kinds of meetings aren’t unusual, but they are never fun.
Hey, Autism Awareness. Where’d Ya Go?
By Cathy Jameson
Around this time last year, I noticed that autism had all but dropped off the news cycle. It appears to have taken a back seat again this year. No big fan of how the month of April has been blue-washed for well over a decade, I’m okay with fewer autism awareness campaigns.
Always a strong proponent for autism action, I’m not even seeing that in this month’s news stories. Like the flu, and like the measles, COVID19 has replaced illnesses, diseases, and other health conditions the world over.