Since Autism Awareness Month got its start in 1970, we’ve come a long way. At the same time, we’ve got a long way to go. As a father of a middle-aged son with autism, I’m looking forward to the day when:
- Kind random acts directed toward autistic people do not make national news; rather they become part of the social fabric of everyday life.
- People with autism can flap their hands or rock back and forth in public without onlookers blinking an eye.
- Autism is not viewed or defined as a deficiency, a disorder, or a social problem.
- Everybody, regardless of how their brain works, is considered neurodiverse and uniquely human.
- The media accurately portrays just how broad and diverse the spectrum really is.
- There’s no longer a need for Autism Awareness Month.
- Instead of simply trying to cure or eliminate autism, people throughout the world put more time, energy and funding into improving the lives of autistic people of all ages.
- More and more parents realize that having an autistic child is not the end of the world.
- The “cliff” young adults encounter at age 21, when services seemingly evaporate, is a thing of the past.
- The word autistic brings children to mind, and young adults, middle-aged adults, and senior citizens.
What are you looking forward to?
Please note: I just finished a book that applies the latest research on autism to our family’s journey over more than four decades. My son Jimmy is a middle-aged adult on the autism spectrum. The voices and perspectives of my son, my wife and two daughters as well as friends and professionals are included throughout. It’s a real, uplifting, and remarkable story; one which I have wanted to share for a long time. Both the print and Kindle version of this book are now available. Profits will go to Linwood Center, an internationally recognized program whose mission is to create extraordinary lives for children and adults with autism (see https://aJimmy.com).
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