April is Autism Awareness Month or, as I prefer to call it, Autism Awareness Acceptance and Inclusion Month. As I reflected on what I would like to bring to light to support my son, the word “community” came to mind.
When we feel the need for support, we turn to our community. How do we establish that community when it doesn’t happen organically?
Quite understandably, I have found that finding a community for my younger son has not been an easy road. As humans, we have all felt a lack of inclusion at one time or another. Or maybe not; some might not notice or move on, not giving it much thought. But if you are seen as different from the rest of the world, whether by looks or actions, being left out can happen more often.
At first, we thought it would naturally come from his school. However, just because autism acceptance is promoted does not mean it translates to inclusion. Despite efforts, when that did not happen, we sought out our own sense of community.
While it is still a work in progress, it has opened our family up to a really beautiful world of empathetic, forward-thinking, and open-minded families.
My theory on this is that when we rely solely on a group devoted to one type of activity or belief, it is limiting. Therefore, a more eclectic group cultivated from various groups of interests makes us more well-rounded and supported.
