More acceptance please

Warning: This blog post contains some ranting. ;)

     I must say that families affected with special needs deal with a lot on a day to day basis.  More than most will ever see or realize.  That being said, why tack on another issue?  I have noticed that there are poeple out there that don't take autism seriously.  They think it is lack of descipline on the parents part or that our children are just super brats.  I am tired of this.  Autism is a neuroligical disorder, their brains are actually wired different.  They are different.  I know that kids on the spectrum need to learn life skills and learn to fit in to some degree.  But you can not force a child to do something they are not capable of.  Would you ever see a child in a wheelchair on the playgroud and tell them to go join the race the other kids are having?  Would you force her out of her chair and demand that she walk when she is unable?  NO! because you know she is not able to.  Instead you would push her along in her chair so she could play with her peers.  You would encourage her and cheer her on and let her know it's ok to be diffent.  So why then do people insist on forcing children with autism, including my son, to do things they are not capable of?  Why throw them into a situation they cannot emotionally, physically or socially handle?  I've heard, "Throw them to the sharks, they will learn.  You hold him back to much.  Send him to my house and his autism will disappear."  Guess what, all untrue!  I would love for people to educate themselves on autism and what it entails.  I would love for people to accept my child exactly where he is, today, in this moment.  Accept and help.  If people prefer to live ignorant, and do not wish to help...then do not judge.  No one knows what anyone else is dealing with in their life.  Most don't realize the impact autism has.  So take off the judgement hat and know that we are doing the best we can with our kiddos.  We want them to learn and grow and thrive...when they are capable, willing and ready!  Autism is a true reality. Educate yourself and respect.  Respect everyone and have compassion.