I am happy to report that things are settling down. For the first time in a long while, I was able visit some of my favorite blogs. Unfortunately, after an hour of perusing some fresh posts, I'm thoroughly depressed.
Post after post seems to cover the same theme.
Ignorance.
Plus dash of intolerance.
And a pinch of discrimination thrown in for good measure.
And this hits a nerve.
HARD.
Here I sit, struggling every day to manage the needs of my complicated children. Some days the inside of our home feels more like a battlefield than a place of refuge. But outside?
Its worse.
Much worse.
As hard as things are for me and my family, I know they are exponentially harder for my complicated kids once they walk out the door. Every day, they have to face a world that is harsh and unforgiving.
Am I being a bit over dramatic? I don't think so.
In one sitting, I've read about a teacher not only ignoring an IEP, but physically assaulting a child (
Raising Bipolar). Another tale outlined a child's restraint and subsequent expulsion from school (
A Boy with Asperger's). Then there was the story about a self-proclaimed, Christian homeschooler and her apparent disgust over a rude, hand-flapping child that had the audacity to want the computer her children were using (
Raising Asperger's Kids). What was worse were the hoards of fans that cheered her on. I can't even go into all the stories of bullying, which sadly, are too numerous to list.
Why? Was it because these kids are bad?
That's what many would have you believe. Over the years, I've listened to the likes of Michael Savage, Dennis Leary and other equally-moronic "celebrities" poke fun at autism and other disabilities. According to these
experts, our children are simply the product of over-indulgent parents who have been stupid enough to listen to quick-triggered medical professionals. If you subscribe to this brand of logic, we are a nation filled with over-diagnosed, undisciplined kids. Who needs medications and interventions? Its nothing that a little good old fashioned spanking wouldn't cure.
The more I write, the angrier I get. I am so tired of the ignorance. That said, I don't fault people for ignorance alone. What I can't handle is the unwillingness to learn. Or listen. Or simply tolerate.
I'm not asking everyone to live our lives. Many times, its too mind-boggling for me and I live it on a daily basis
I won't ask you to raise my children. God has given them to me and, frankly, after seeing some of the yahoos out there, I'm very glad he did.
What I do request -- respectfully of course -- is this: Go easy on the judgment. Until you walk in my shoes, or that of my kids, don't presume to know what's best for us. And if its just too tempting to spout out some sort of derogatory remark, at least hold it in until you reach your car.
Life is hard. I know this first hand. Its also not fair. But with just a little more knowledge and a lot more understanding, it could be so much better than it is today.
April is Autism Awareness Month. 1 in 91 children will be diagnosed with autism this year alone. And that means that there's a good chance that someone you know or love will be affected by this condition. Don't you owe it to them to learn more about it?
Why stop at just autism? How about depression or bipolar? Or just those from different cultures? If everyone took these 30 days to learn about someone -- anyone -- different from themselves, we might all might be surprised at what we'd see.
I'm taking the challenge. Will you?
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Comments (7)
Ignorance IS the unwillingness to learn and/or listen. How can you not blame people?
I think that this results from the unfortunate fact that some people do use a disorder as an excuse when their kid is really just a brat, but clearly that's no reason to assume that childhood disorders do not exist. It's an unfortunate over-reaction to the over-diagnosis of certain disorders
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}
On a nice note, lots of bloggers got together to write about the woman who was annoyed by the hand flapping child wanting to use the computer. She apologized for her rash judgement and nasty thinking. So what started out as terrible turned into a learning experience for many people-a positive one. :)
It just proves you're better than them.
It's kind of funny yet really sad that parents can't handle their own children without disabilities, and then turn around and mock and redicule parents of those with more...difficult children.
As if they could do a better job. You're doing an amazing job. It's hard to keep your spirit up with all the ignorant comments, but just know that you are better than them, hands down.
I applaud you.
Thank you for sharing this! I truly respect what you are saying and trying to do here.
My family and I are affected by Autism everyday.
I have a younger brother who is now 14 years old; and he has high-functioning Autism. Though he is high-functioning, there are times when his tantrums, may they be public or not; do cause some frustration. It is not because we don't want to help, but because most of the time, we dont' know how.
Educating others and ourselves really is the best way to go with situations such as these. Eliminating ignorance one day at a time can really help serve a positive purpose for those involved. I do believe from what you say, that you are doing wonderful job. Both as a parent, and as an individual.
April was indeed Autism Awareness month.
Though April has passed for the year, I intend on spreading the knowledge
I know all year round; and then some. =)
I commend and salute you in all you do. Keep on going strong, and steadfast. :)
Take care!
I too commend you for this and I'm so glad that you wrote these!!!!! :)