Paul Collins is a historian and writer and that is the focus of this book- the History of Autism from the perspective of an Autism Dad. I read this book years ago, it was the first Autism book that I read that was NOT solely dedicated to "fixing" the problem. It is not found in grand gestures but in quiet moments and precious connections.
LOVE- I wish for you love, to be given freely and received gratefully. Breath- don't forget to breathe, this is the one thing that you can do for yourself that costs no money and can be done in a little bit of time. Time is a constant that can bring your day back on track, it is also a precious count down from 10-0 that can bring yourself back on track as well. It passes so quickly and yet some days not quickly enough. Time- Not just time on a watch but time to hold dear what is fleeting. Hugs & Kisses- Each and every hug is unique and special. Words- be it sign, PECS, approximation, spoken or felt, keep the words close to your heart. Knowledge- Use your brain, feed it facts, trust your knowledge and share it with others. If you are going to feel it, you may as well be passionate about it. Wherever you put your faith, allow it to be strong and unwavering. Faith- Faith in yourself, faith in your child, faith in your partner, faith in your God. Tears do not make you weak and they are not a waste of time. Tears- I hope that you value the tears you shed as a way to release the stress of the every day and to never hold back the emotions that make you human. To remain calm with your child when all you want to do is scream, to be firm at an IEP when all you want to do is crumble. Power- Power to use your voice and the ability to alter the volume to meet your need. Strength- Strength to ignore the stares of the people who don't understand and will never fully comprehend, strength to stand up for your child when they can't stand up for themselves, strength to fight the fight every single day, day after day and never give up. Be it on a long wakeful night or on a month long fight, I know you all have it in you. Endurance- I hope that when endurance is needed, it is found. I hope that you will value this as a gift and make use of it when you need. Support- Support of friends, family and community. Know when you need a break, a hug or a snuggle and allow those around you to help you. Honor- I hope that you will honor yourself, your body and your needs. Yours is not an easy job and it can be made only easier by being given the respect you deserve for your knowledge, your gut instincts and your commitment. Respect- I hope that you are given the respect you deserve from the school, the therapists that work with your child, your friends and family and the community in which you live. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Mother's Day! At the end of my day I want to give you all a gift of a list of things I hope for each and every one of you.
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