Autism Shines

There is nothing like turning a negative into a positive.  To embrace a challenge and making it into something empowering.

That is what happens when you put Autism parents' backs against the wall.

There has been some, should we say, negative and uneducated press about Autism and Aspergers in relation to the tragedy at Sandy Hook....a correlation that has no merit, I should add.  People were looking for ONE thing to blame...Autism came up as one of those one things (along with many many other things).

So....here comes Autism parent bloggers!

An amazing network of parents started a Facebook site, based off a meme one of the other parents created.  It is called Autism Shines.   And I have to say, already in a few short days it has become MORE than just a response to negativity.

There are so many kids like my kid.  So many varied interests.  So many ages, races, level on the spectrum.  But we're all there....all swimming in this sea...and for me, I don't feel so alone. 

I added my son's picture with a little info about him.  And really, it is only just a little info.  He is so much more to me. 

When you have a moment, check out the site.  Throw it a like.  And see that Autism can be scary, but also can make the world shine. 

The Reason for This Latest Hiatus

It has been a while.  I know.
The last time I took a hiatus from the blog, our family was in crisis mode.  We were dealing and managing and surviving the murky waters of school, therapy, work, back pain, etc sprinkled with dealing with Autism.  And I just wasn't it in the mood to lay it all out there. 

But this time?  This hiatus is due to the other end of the spectrum.  We're doing well.  We're doing very well.  School has been amazing for our buddy....with new and exciting participation from him everyday.  Therapy has been going great, and we have an awesome and stable team.  Work has been busy for the adults  And we're managing the back pain.  So again....I just wasn't in the mood to write.  I was enjoying myself.  We've been living life and cherishing these great moments.

I've realized that we just need to cherish the good moments and survive the challenging ones.

And while I would like to write to catch you up on how things have been going here...a fun Halloween, A great Thanksgiving with a visit from Uncle Joey, looking forward to the Holidays, Jonathan writing his own social stories, his reading and writing, and playing games like Hangman and Hide and Seek.... I just can't.

Like many of you, my heart is broken for Newtown, CT.  It has been all I can think about the last few days.  Those 20 babies will forever be OUR children.  OUR community.  OUR teachers.  And the reality that this horrific act could happen anywhere. 

I read this amazingly written blog post by another Mommy Blogger.  It was so well written and hits so close to home for our family...as well as the other families in the Autism / Special Needs community. 
Please read this. 
http://profmomesq.wordpress.com/2012/12/15/one-truth-about-autism-and-the-sandy-hook-elementary-tragedy/

I also read this blog post as well, and it touched me just as much.
http://thebluereview.org/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother/

All of us have a lot to say.  All of us are grieving.  All of us want answers.
And all I can do is hug my child. 
Which is what I think I'm going to go do right now.