EVOLVE As an adult, there are millions
of resources out there! Research is your friend and knowledge is power. Read up on works from trusted medical sources, dig into “actually autistic” content creators who use their voices to educate and simply familiarize yourself with the world your friend exists in. We all start from somewhere and we all have a lot to learn. In your research, you may find there are strongly varying opinions within the autism community, for example “child with autism” vs. “autistic child.” Jones notes that the vastness of resources can sometimes be overwhelming and it is a wonderful idea to go straight to the source! “The disability community is always evolving and all humans are always learning. Simply ask the person’s preference re: language or description. If you get it wrong, apologize, make the change and move forward.” One thing of beauty about being an inclusive person is that it can lead to raising empathetic children. Having a conversation with your kids about disabilities does not have to be difficult or daunting; simple and direct is best. Explain what it is: Autism is a developmental disability where an individual thinks, senses, moves, communicates and socializes differently. Every individual on the spectrum has different strengths and different challenges. And how it may affect an individual: through eye contact, stimming, repetition, difficulty with social cues, use of PECS or an AAC device, etc. A snippet of the conversation may sound like, “While they may have some differences from you, I bet you can find lots of things you share in common!” Jones profoundly remarks that “exclusion takes more effort than inclusion.” This is especially true if empathy, patience and understanding are instilled as habits when kids are young. More than just a nice buzz word in the month of April, inclusion should be a model to live by and lead by every single day. In all facets of life encourage your family to accept differences, celebrate individuality and most of all, always be kind.
NOLAFAMILY.COM | APRIL 2025 21
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software