Let's Get Into It!

I have chosen to write a blog about autism and it is titled “Spectrum of Light: AN ODE TO THE PARENTS OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN.” As soon as I read the assignment, I knew this was the perfect topic for me. I have had some very negative experiences in raising my two daughters, now ages 22 and 25, who both were born with medical disabilities. Unfortunately, I was asked on many occasions what I did wrong during my pregnancy. I have also experienced how they were viewed by teachers, administrators, students and parents. I am being completely honest that I did wonder why my children were born with disabilities when I did everything by the book and followed all my doctors’ orders. However, there were things beyond my control and even the doctors. I was hard on myself until I started meeting people who had autistic children. I met quite a few parents over the years throughout the multiple hospital visits. It made me realize my situation was not as bad as I believed. And for the last 20 years, I have been an advocate for children with disabilities. My target audience for my blog is for parents with autistic children, individuals who are autistic, individuals with any type of disability and anyone who seeks to have a better understanding of the similarities and differences in raising an autistic child. Autism does not discriminate! Single parents and married couples can each experience raising autistic children. It affects all walks of religion and income and location are also exempt from having an autistic child. I will share real life stories as shared by family and friends. I will also share some of my personal experiences with raising my two daughters. Although my daughters are not mentally or developmentally challenged, they each have medical disabilities and we experienced the rude comments and stares. It is important for families to realize they are not alone. It also helps to have conversations with persons outside of your home. Readers will appreciate the real life experiences that I post. I will also include statements from parents and educators who share their day-to-day experiences. It will benefit parents who chose not to have conversations but read scenarios and how they were handled. It also shows parents that they are not in this alone. More importantly, my purpose is to have these families normalize their lifestyles and treat their child(ren) to have as normal of a life as possible. The blogs may even lead to support groups that meet online via Zoom or another video conferencing platform. I will update my blog posts on social media (Twitter and Instagram). I am creating new accounts so I currently won’t have a following. However, I will use the algorithms to increase my followers, as well as the old fashioned way, word of mouth. Many people may not have access to social media, but I will also post flyers at medical facilities to let families know of a new outlet for coping with autistic children.