Seriously?!?!

Matthew often walks around and when something frustrates him or cacthes him off gruad he always responds "seriously?!?!".. I love when he does that.  It usually means he is having a good day and nothing is really phasing him.  He is just like so many other 6 year old boys.  He loves sports, video games and anything outside.  But at the same time Matthew isn't like all the other boys, he is autistic. 

I remember when he was first diagnosed about a year ago.  I heard it all," there's no way he is autistic", " your making to big off a deal of this" and "are you sure".  I shed many tears then and there are still days when I cry.  I guess you could say we are lucky, Matthew is considered to be high functioning.  Its not a medical term, I think they just use it help explain that his problems with Autism are better hidden then others.  He is so smart. He is so loving.  He laughs.  He smiles and he even has friends.  As a mom I thank God for those friends.  But Matthew doesn't look me in the eye, he has given me a kiss only twice in the last year or more.  True hugs are few and rare, I cherish every embrace.  It's a painful feeling when your son pulls away from hugs and affection.  He doesn't go out when it storms and he needs to be home by a certain time. He has left college basketball games because it was past 8.  Some days he picks spots on him until he bleeds. Those are just a few of the ways autism affects him.  He changes daily, some days are good and some are bad.  When something triggers him to have a melt down not much can stop them. 

I share all this because I see Matthew and think what an amazing child.  Such an amazing memory, he loves life and is so smart and happy.  But I also see how the world views those with disabilities.  I remember when both my kids were toddlers thinking how lucky I was that my child didn't have autism.  I didn't have a child with special needs.  I dodged the bullet.  I was so wrong.  The signs were all there.  I just didn't know. I see the looks kids with autism get.  I've seen it from kids and adults alike.  Just remember that when you see a kid or adult rocking from side to side, or they refuse to look you in the eye.  They aren't stupid or spoiled.  They are just trying to make it in a world that doesn't fit them well.  The CDC announced today that 1 out of 88 children are on the autism' spectrum.  Boys have a 1 and 54 chance of being diagnosed.  I challenge all who read this to research autism and educate yourself.  Chances are at some point your life will be affected by autism.They just want to be loved just like us.  They need to know that different is OK.