Welcome To Beauty In The Spectrum

When I received the boys diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder I cried for months. The tears weren't from surprise, I've known for a very long time. I didn't tell that many people either. Not because I was embarrassed or loved them any differently. The tears and shutting off came from simply thinking how other people would treat my children and the struggles they may face. If anything I love my children even more and then it finally clicked, I will advocate for my children for the rest of their lives and hope that one day the stigma is completely gone.

I went to swim lessons one day and my son was having a "tantrum" so it looked. An older woman approached me and said "I don't want to offend you but you should try putting whip cream in his mouth to make him stop." My child isn't having a tantrum because he's "bad" he simply can't communicate his frustrations and he's 3! I wanted to quit that day but I am so glad I didn't. The following week a woman approached me with her young daughter. After talking I found out the woman herself was on the spectrum and she said something that I will never forget. "Inclusion or nothing".

"Your kids are too smart to be Autistic"
Autism doesn't mean they aren't intelligent, if anything it could mean the opposite.
"Your kids don't look autistic"
Autism doesn't have a look. (I learned this from someone recently who taught me so much)
"Do not label your children"
Autism is not a label, it a diagnosis that opens the doors to several therapies that they deserve.
"They are boys, boys do things later"
Comments that prolongs your children from getting therapy.
"Did you take Tylenol, what about vaccines?"
Not sure the purpose of this question? To make me feel bad? Also, Autism isn't a bad thing which this question insinuates it is. Lastly, no Tylenol and Vaccines did not cause my child's autism, genetics did.

I wanted to showcase my two incredible boys who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They are incredible and am proud to be their Mom.

Welcome to Beauty In The Spectrum.