Autism Awareness 2011 & Another Andrew Video

Another year gone by
Another April
Another Autism Awareness Month
Another Andrew Video

Autism has it's challenges, but in our home those challenges are mostly overshadowed by the determination that Andrew shows every day when he works his hardest to learn, grow and make sense of this sometimes confusing world. He is often happy these days and seeing this makes those of us who love him happy also. That's not to say that there aren't times of frustration and sadness when the communication and social deficits make it difficult for Andrew to express how he is feeling. It is these times, when he cries and I have no idea why, that I wish I could take it all away and make it easier for him. But he pulls out of it much quicker now due to teachers/therapists who help him, a loving supportive family, medication and simple maturity. I have learned to just sit with him in times like this and reassure him that we are here, we love him and we will continue to help him in every way that we can. I think he appreciates our patience and support. He understands our wanting to help and this, but most of all our unconditional love, comforts him. We've learned to not sweat the small stuff. We no longer get upset when yet another full bottle of shampoo gets dumped down the drain. We don't see these types of behaviors as odd, but as a way that our child has been smart enough to seek out strategies that help calm his dysfunctional sensory system. He is a survivor, a hero, who overcomes obstacles that none of us, who were born without these sorts of challenges, could ever begin to understand. His strength and determination amazes me! He is truly a pleasure to be around! Being his mother makes me feel like the luckiest person on the planet. He may not speak much with words, but he continues to speak volumes with his heart. Knowing him and his loving nature, we have learned to listen better with OUR hearts.

As we continue on this journey as Andrew's parents, we work to assure that he has all of the appropriate resources available to him. We work on accentuating his strengths. We work on keeping him happy, less anxious and demonstrate a positive attitude. We completely accept our son for the amazing child that he is, but we are constantly trying to find the right balance of pushing him to do more, by raising the bar higher because we know that he can reach it, and knowing when to back off to give him the space he needs to process all that he has learned. We stick together as a family and support one another when needed. We're doing just fine! And when I see just how much my boy loves life, his life, how could I not have faith that all we are doing is what is best for him? He is one person who truly appreciates the simple things in life. The energy of the ocean is what he truly loves most. This is where he has always been his happiest. And I am thankful that we live in an area where we can give that to him. These videos I put together each April are both an attempt for me to spread awareness by sharing with others just how special my child, who happens to be autistic, is, as well as a way for me to simply celebrate and preserve the memory of where he is today. We love you, Andrew, and each day we are prouder than the next. You have taught us to truly appreciate every gain, every spoken word, as well as the precious moments of a quiet non-verbal connection. You are a constant reminder to us to never take a single word for granted. This gift you have given us is one most are not lucky enough to receive in their lifetime. With you in our lives, we are most definitely the lucky ones.

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• Autism
• Awareness

[dbsmom2]

What a beautiful tribute to Andrew!!! It is so great to see him enjoying the wonders of childhood!! (P.S.- I worked with Andrew in Mr. Sean's PreK class) He is a great kid!!