I made a post about feeling like a social outcast because I’m awkward and verbally inept. But there was another reason why yesterday was difficult.
The training was focused on students with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and strategies to reach them and help them attain goals, etc. I kept thinking about my son and how he had behaviors and reactions to things that were the same or similar to kids with Autism. He was extremely sensitive to auditory, visual and tactile stimulation for one thing. And other assistants at the training have kids with Autism and were sharing stories about their kids. I wanted to share about my son but didn’t. What’s the difference? My son has SZ, Autism’s ugly cousin (that’s what I call it). No one wants to hear about your kid who developed sz later…
And that’s just wrong. I’m so very tired of the stigma.
2 Likes
This might be a stupid question, but how do you know no-one wants to hear about it if you don’t talk about it? 
3 Likes
That’s a really good question, @Berru. I guess I’m the one who’s afraid to open up that dialogue.
Sincerely, what a perfect response. 
️
I should be more outspoken about that because it really bothers me that Autism gets so much attention and funding, etc., which is good, but sz has very similar areas of disability and it’s talked about in extreme discomfort.
One of my other trainings discussed sz and it was in such an awkward way that I left the room to go cry…
But your question is a good one and makes me think.
2 Likes