I would probably say something along the lines, "Autism is a condition that causes those who have it to experience the world differently than most of us do. Those with autism usually have difficulties communicating with others, and have behaviors that are considered outside of "normal." That would be what I would start with...it's hard to put such a broad condition into a few short sentences!
My philosophy on autism that I wish others would understand and get a grip on is that it is both a disability and a difference BUT now, there is hope and something can be done to reduce the disability. At the same time, the difference with them actually lies the most amazing qualities any human being can have but unfortunately society overlooks mainly because we are so accustomed to judge a book by its cover and shun those who seems a little "un-normal" in our eyes.."
of course I will only start off with that.. if they seem to be interested to still hear more, I can then spend DAYS talking more about autism after that! Hehe:D
The first things that come to my mind are the negative, but then after some deep thoughts, there are alot of positive--especially when you look at the eternal scheme of things. Autism means to me a whole new way of life, of creative thinking, of learning and teaching. It is so complex (I have three boys with varying degrees of autism) and so challenging, frustrating, overwhelming, etc. Every thought, feeling, and emotion is maxed out. Every accomplishment, award, obstacles overcome-is pure joy because of the low lows, you receive the highest of highs. It's the enduring the in-between moments that give us our character. Steph www.spectrumspectacle.blogspot.com
I've been thinking about this. I'm asked all the time if my children are "really" autistic, as if I just made it up to impress people or something.
For us, autism means Elf can't go to school and we avoid crowds. It also means explaining a lot when G is "rude" in his comments, but doesn't mean to be.
It means for me that my 5 year old son asked me for a t-shirt that reads, "PLEASE no hugs, no kissing, and NO TOUCHING with out asking". It overwhelms him, and because he lacks the voice to tell people himself. He only added the "please" at my request! It means I fight every instinct in my body to encourage him to reply with a smile when someone talks to him. That is really their expectation, not his, and it is ok if he doesn't.
When people ask me about my daughter, I reply with something like, "She just thinks about things differently and it's my job to figure out how to draw what she's thinking out of her."
I usually explain my son's autism as "his brain is just wired differently than most people's." Some things that come naturally to other people are not so for him. But there are some things that he is exceptional at, that other people cannot do. I would not change my son for the world. He has taught my family about true diversity of people and richness of life.
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I would probably say something along the lines, "Autism is a condition that causes those who have it to experience the world differently than most of us do. Those with autism usually have difficulties communicating with others, and have behaviors that are considered outside of "normal." That would be what I would start with...it's hard to put such a broad condition into a few short sentences!
My philosophy on autism that I wish others would understand and get a grip on is that it is both a disability and a difference BUT now, there is hope and something can be done to reduce the disability. At the same time, the difference with them actually lies the most amazing qualities any human being can have but unfortunately society overlooks mainly because we are so accustomed to judge a book by its cover and shun those who seems a little "un-normal" in our eyes.."
of course I will only start off with that.. if they seem to be interested to still hear more, I can then spend DAYS talking more about autism after that! Hehe:D
I've enjoyed your blog!
The first things that come to my mind are the negative, but then after some deep thoughts, there are alot of positive--especially when you look at the eternal scheme of things. Autism means to me a whole new way of life, of creative thinking, of learning and teaching. It is so complex (I have three boys with varying degrees of autism) and so challenging, frustrating, overwhelming, etc. Every thought, feeling, and emotion is maxed out. Every accomplishment, award, obstacles overcome-is pure joy because of the low lows, you receive the highest of highs. It's the enduring the in-between moments that give us our character.
Steph
www.spectrumspectacle.blogspot.com
I've been thinking about this. I'm asked all the time if my children are "really" autistic, as if I just made it up to impress people or something.
For us, autism means Elf can't go to school and we avoid crowds. It also means explaining a lot when G is "rude" in his comments, but doesn't mean to be.
Autism means a new way for me to live and approach my life as a dad and husband.
It means for me that my 5 year old son asked me for a t-shirt that reads, "PLEASE no hugs, no kissing, and NO TOUCHING with out asking". It overwhelms him, and because he lacks the voice to tell people himself. He only added the "please" at my request! It means I fight every instinct in my body to encourage him to reply with a smile when someone talks to him. That is really their expectation, not his, and it is ok if he doesn't.
I usually just say something like - its complicated! And i would change that for the world!
When people ask me about my daughter, I reply with something like, "She just thinks about things differently and it's my job to figure out how to draw what she's thinking out of her."
I usually explain my son's autism as "his brain is just wired differently than most people's." Some things that come naturally to other people are not so for him. But there are some things that he is exceptional at, that other people cannot do. I would not change my son for the world. He has taught my family about true diversity of people and richness of life.
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