Article Published About my Son With Autism and Friend who Never Was a Friend

[Ripvanann]

http://www.youandmemagazine.com/articles/autism-a-friend-in-need This one is close to me as it was a really difficult time for me. I can deal with my pain and ailments, when ot comes to my kids... another story. Hope it will help others in the same situation as I know that there are more of me out there.

Peace and blessings,

~Andrea  

[litliwlowa]

Another well-written article, Andrea.

Yes, I do "get it". When the chips are down generally is when we learn who our true friends are.

Hugs

Amanda

[quietdynamics]

Andrea Thank you for the article and sharing this personal reality with your son, Sam.

The important thing is that Sam has the 'support team' he needs to help him in his life journey.

I have had the privilege of working with  autistic students across the spectrum. And other students.
When people would hear "Autism" they would think 'Rainman', but, that did not describe the reality of the population I was with.

Even within the schools feeling and seeing mainstream teachers and students physically distance themselves or cringe from these students was difficult. They had bruises on their faces from stemming, etc.
But, to be fair with some it was understandable.  Some were more in line with the group where you may see a teenager, having a meltdown (like a 'horrible twos' )in a store and other shoppers staring at the parent.. it is very, very difficult on families. Even now on the rare occasion I see a parent with a "low incident" child in public I always say hello to them and their child ( who may be an adult). The (usually male) at the grocery store who gets the shopping carts from the lots are usually part of a funded program to employ this disabled population.. so I will stop and say hello.. sometimes they do not answer..some are surprised (they are used to being treated as invisible) .. part of their syndrome.. but, I do it anyway.

As with 'chronic illness', I find it best to live within a guideline in the general population of "less is more". 
People want to be helpful.. easy to look things up.. no 'sweat equity'.
They lose interest, and redirect to their own lives, or the next nano second of interest.

The day to day management of matters, remains ours, as it should.

Impossible for people not in our 24/7 lives to see.
Yes, my child is mainstreamed and handsome.. but..
Yes, I take meds and "I do not look sick"...but..

.. on the other hand we do not see their lives 24/7 either..

People come and go.. making room for new, and others.

Wishing Sam continued success.