World Autism Day

As we bring awareness to the autism disease, World Autism Day brings tears to my heart. I feel tears of pain, frustration, anger, fear and hurt for those parents and precious children living with autism. To the media, World Autism Day is an opportunity to remind the television viewers of what we do not know. We do not know the cause of autism, we do not know a cure for autism, we do not know the long term societal effects when 1 in 160 children become adults with autism. We do not know. It makes me cry and cling to hope.

Parents of autistic children are riding a wave of emotions. They experience both shock and relief when their child is eventually diagnosed with autism. Shock, because of the negative stereotyped images associated with the illness. Relief, because they always felt something was wrong and 10 different doctors could not diagnose the illness until now. Once their child is diagnosed, they face a frustrating battle as they research needs and services for autistic children. They hunt for research, spend a fortune of books, try numerous herbal remedies, and battle the school system. Anger spills forth when they understand that their school systems requires pages and pages of verified documentation for the autism diagnosis, six months or more or medical testing and evaluations, only to be told “the program is full, you’ll be on a wait list.” Some parents have even engaged the professional services of legal counsel to represent autistic children in unfavorable school systems. It makes me angry that schools do not offer immediate solutions and assistance and the burden of proof is on the parent.

Most painful of all is the response the child receives from peers, other parents, and family. After awhile, other parents stop inviting the autistic child to birthday parties, playdates, or sleepovers. These parents are “protecting” their children from exposure to the world of an autistic child. Other children begin to notice the autistic child is different, and start distancing themselves from the behavior of their autistic friend. Some children seize the opportunity to manipulate, tease and bully the child. Soon the autistic child has a therapist for depression and does not like being different from other children. Siblings of the autistic child learn the skills to provoke the child and cause the child to be disciplined by the parents, so the autistic child gets negative attention and the sibling gets positive attention.

For those children on the autism spectrum, and the parents that love them with heart and soul, I offer my prayers for you on World Autism Day. I pray that you will find peace during your hectic day, relaxation for a moment, a smile you didn’t expect, and a supportive spouse or friend. I ask that you receive the gift of patience and a shield of faith. May you recognize World Autism Day as the opportunity for the entire word to take just one minute of their day and pray for you and for your autistic child.

Prayer for an Autistic Child

Lord, I thank you for creating this beautiful and perfect child filled with your spirit and your love. Teach me the skills for being the best parent, teacher, friend and helper for my child. Guide my words with love and patience. Fill my day with peaceful moments and quiet rest. Provide my child with abundant resources and assistance for a happy and healthy life. Amen.