Dashed Hopes

One of my friends (we’ll call her A) recently posted a status update on Facebook that really upset me.

Her daughter “M” (who has ASD) came home from school very excited about a birthday party invite.

When “A” went through “M’s” backpack the invitation was not there.

Thinking her daughter had lost her invitation because all of the other children in the class had received invites A called the mom who responded that “M” was not invited because she doesn’t talk and her child likes to talk. OMG, I was so flabbergasted and angry. That mother does not realize she is robbing “M” of a very important social learning experience.

It is due to these exclusions that our children suffer so much. The discrimination in the case is so very hurtful, just because T is not very verbal doesn’t mean she doesn’t communicate. And the biggest question of all… Where the HELL was the teacher? These things are not supposed to happen in classrooms.

With my children the teachers made it very clear that the only way invitations could be issued at school is if EVERYONE in the class received one. This is why I have chosen the moniker Autismwarrior… Not because I want to fight Autism… There are many willing to take on that cause, but I want to fight the discrimination, intolerance, slights, and negative perceptions the general public have of children with Autism.

I don’t think there are enough words in the English language to express my anger and disgust!!!

autismwarrior

I am a warrior for autism. I support advocacy and awareness. I want to defeat the publics "tolerance" of people who have autism and move on to acceptance. Do people with Autism need to be "fixed"? I don't think so. I love my boys for who they are, for the individuality they bring to our family. Is there a cure? Who knows? Do I wish things were different? Sometimes. Who doesn't? Am I at peace with my life? Yes!