When my mom learned of my diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, my college counselor gave her a book called The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome.(You can buy a copy here.) The book gives great information on Asperger’s. Now, I realize autism is a wide array of cases, and Asperger’s is much higher than some may be, but after last week’s article about Autism Speaks, I thought I should balance it out by giving 20 things, some from the book’s epilogue, and others from my own ideas about what can be done for children with this condition.
- Teach tolerance for all disabilities and differences. Point out that everyone “has something”. No one is spared.
- Don’t force conformity on anyone, autistic or “normal”. Teach acceptance of all who think differently, have non-standard reactions, or voice different points of view. New ideas are born that way. (Or as one of my favorite writers, Robert A. Heinlein put it, “When one teaches, two learn.”)
- Gently invite other people who interact with your child to explore his unique world.
- Don’t say a child “can’t do something”. Let them try.
- Don’t make someone an outcast just because he can’t (or in my case, has little interest in) playing sports.
- Teach children to become involved. If they see a child being bullied, make sure they understand why it’s important that it be reported and that you will protect them.
- Don’t assume that autistic people like myself aren’t listening because we don’t make eye contact.
- Talk to the managers of local movie theaters to lobby for a time at which they will agree to lower the volume. Arrange for a special showing for sound-sensitive children (I can attest that theatres are quite loud for those on the spectrum. When I went to see Iron Man 3 last year, I was cupping my ears at times to make myself more comfortable.
- Volunteer to help at a summer camp for kids with autism.
- Do NOT donate to Autism Speaks.
- Don’t consider your children “puzzle pieces” that don’t fit into society. Celebrate their uniqueness.
- Work with an attorney to develop a “living will” should there come a time when you pass on before the child.
- If you feel the above can be discussed without causing anxiety, tell your child the details.
- Share your wisdom with other parents of autistic children.
- DO donate to organizations such as ASAN and the Dan Marino Foundation.
- Join a web forum for others with this condition. I found two on Facebook, one of which is geared toward a Christian viewpoint, and there’s also one called Wrong Planet that has great resources, as well as a Youtube channel.
- Commit random acts of kindness for other disabled children and their families.
- Volunteer at your school if allowed.
Aspie Catholic 