New Years Resolutions for Parents of Children with Autism
Monday December 31, 2007
Not that we need more pressure in our lives, but today IS New Year's Eve Day... And with that in mind, I have a few thoughts to share. None are particularly earth-shattering - but all, I hope, will us help our son to be all he can be. From our point of view, that means a whole lot.
Here, in no particular order, are my own "autism resolutions" for 2008!
- Focus on my son's strengths. Use my lioness-like mommy skills to ensure that he gets the opportunities he deserves to build on those strengths.
- Assume that my son is bright and capable, and avoid using autism as an excuse for not pushing him to succeed as he is able.
- Choose just a few key areas in which my son is weakest, and provide plenty of tools and resources for improving in those areas.
- Notice the amazing moments of achievement that occur so often in the lives of children. Pay attention when my son, for the very first time, asks "what do you want to do?"
- Encourage my son's creative impulses. Allow him to tell his stories, write whatever he wants, and worry a little less about correct grammar and draftsmanship.
- Put my son in the spotlight whenever possible. Remember that my children's achievements are... my children's achievements. Not mine.
- Continue to seek out adults, teens and children who can delight in my son's personality, charm, ideas and abilities. Give my son the opportunity to be with those people as much as possible.
- Choose just a few significant ways in which I can be of assistance or support to the larger autism community. Act on them.
- Worry less about anyone else's opinions - about our life choices, our children's quirks, my clothes, hair or weight... or anything else, for that matter!
Comments
I don’t have anything more to offer. Just to thank you for your blog, wish you a very happy New Year 2008 and confirm that most of your resolutions will be mine for the coming year.
Yeah, my “autism resolution” is to not vaccinate the baby I am carrying so as not to ruin his life like I ruined my precious son’s.
Continue to educate people on autism and continue to dispel the myths, stereotypes and misconceptions that people have about individuals on the spectrum.
To believe that my sons ‘are’ going to be able to take care of themselves and have a good quality of life. My belief has just been reaffirmed by my youngest who had an unexpected addition to his Christmas list in the form of appendicitis, and who has amazed me with his ability to cope and take control. He made sure that the staff at the hospital knew that he has his own voice and with a little bit of understanding (which he was thankfully given in abundance) he can ask his own questions and make his own decisions. His attitude and ability to handle his operation and his stay in hospital has truly inspired me. So I will continue treating him and his elder brother as two people who will succeed in life.
Amen!
Cheers
Caroline
To continue to push for respect for autistic adults and children, even if it means calling people on such abhorable statements as calling their children ruined. Or standing up to bullies in spite of severe PTSD.
Living up to “nothing about us without us”.
To put myself in my students’ and students’ parents’ shoes, and understand their wants and needs. I also want to continue to educate other teachers on successful strategies when working with students on the spectrum!
AND TO CONTINUE TO LOVE MY JOB!!!
I really have none but to take each day as it comes, and not to expect more than each day will bring.
Thanks for a wonderful blog! I hope your resolutions and on coming year are great!