Monday, February 4, 2008

Comment-Combating autism from within

This item was emailed to this blog--AR

I wanted to take a moment to comment on your blog...

I have a six-year-old son with autism. He was diagnosed almost 2 years ago to the day. I admit, when I first received the diagnosis, I was totally devastated. Since then, my outlook has changed...

Not only am I blessed (refer to my own personal blog: www.blessedwithautism.blogspot.com to have my son (and all 4 of my children!) in my life, but we are blessed with this condition we call autism. The amazing qualities that he possesses far surpass any unfavorable conditions that people tend to think of when hearing about autism.

There is a misconception that these kids lack affection and personality. On the contrary, my son (and ALL the other kids on the spectrum that I've come to know) is a loving, charismatic (and highly "quirky") individual. (And VERY intelligent - he reads many levels above his grade and consistently EXCEEDS the academic expectations in school!) He has helped me learn what it means to truly be patient. He has helped me appreciate life and everything in it. Since my son's diagnosis, I have not only learned to "accept" it, but I have embraced it. I wouldn't change a thing.



Tricia Kiefer, RN BAN
Nurse Manager, Birthcenter One


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's nice to read a positive outlook for a change (in this blog). But in general, I'd say all children are a blessing, whether they have special gifts or not.

It's true, though, that oftentimes autistic children are underestimated in their potential for no good reason, scientific or otherwise.

Tricia said...

I did comment that I felt blessed to have ALL FOUR of my children, and I am.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Tricia. Your comment is a wonderful antidote to the fear mongering and ignorance surrounding autism.