According to the National Autism Association, autism now affects one out of every 68 children, with boys being four times more likely to have autism than girls. In some uncommon cases, there's more than one child with autism in a home. In my case, there are three. I have three younger brothers with different forms of autism. It can be one of the hardest things to manage. We get help from the school district when it comes to school, but that doesn’t change how they act at home. With their range of abilities or inabilities, certain basic activities can be huge struggles. Kids with autism can have trouble learning, trouble with behavior and trouble with being social. It is emotionally, physically and financially hard on the families. In fact, autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average, and there is no cure.
No matter how hard the struggle is for children like my brothers, they still have awesome spirits. These kids have passions, dreams, personalities and charisma. My brother Michael has Asperger's autism, but he can tell you all about the Titanic or Star Trek or anything he finds interesting. because he has researched them all and has a wicked memory. My brother Steven loves to dance and sing. Nicholas is a videogame fanatic with a crazy imagination. They all struggle with something, but they live like normal kids for the most part. Just as each child is unique, so is the plan for how to treat them. Each child has a treatment plan unique to them depending on their ability to learn, to interact and to process. Children are normally diagnosed early. The earlier the better, because they can start a plan earlier.
Why is any of this important?
Autism affects so many people, that it's very likely that you know at least one person with autism. Understanding their daily struggle makes it easier for you to know how to help, and of course you should help. That doesn’t mean you need to donate money or become a special education teacher, although those are very good ways to contribute. Sometimes all they need to know is that you're supporting them. Encourage them to keep working and moving forward. Some of these people may not have very supportive families and may not be getting the help they need and deserve. Most of these kids are never even given a chance to receive higher education. They aren't viewed as able enough to go to college or take care of themselves. If anyone thinks or says that, then they are sadly mistaken. People with autism are completely capable of reaching the same goals as others, they just have to work a little harder for it. My brothers’ perseverance and determination inspires me and reminds me that if they can do it, so can I.
Even though people with autism have their ups and downs, their good and bad days, they can teach you more than you ever thought. They especially teach you patience and tolerance. These people should not be looked down upon but uplifted, because they are great examples of endurance and perseverance. It's important that we acknowledge them, especially since April is Autism Awareness Month. There are many ways to acknowledge and support these brave warriors and their families, which include donating, buying merchandise, walks for autism, etc. To find opportunities to show your support, go to autismspeaks.org and browse. They have many facts and resources that tell you all about autismHappy Autism Awareness Month!
