Awareness Is Only Effective Through Understanding

On October 31, 2007, a beautiful boy weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces at 22 inches long came into the world! 

He was perfection. 

Still is. 

John Kenneth McLean Slocum II (Jake) forever has changed the way I view love, parenting, and the total commitment in raising a child with special qualities that need an extra dose of TLC. 

I will not go into detail about how we derived his diagnosis of Autism. Putting too much emphasis on what “could” have been undermines who our child really is. 

You see, the diagnosis was merely a shift. It took a bit of time to absorb that the future we had envisioned would not come to be. Quickly, the thought process became: how can we provide the best setting for him to succeed?

A New Perspective

Our son is 13, growing at a warp speed and is 6’1”. This should not be a shocker as his daddy is 6’7” and stopped growing at 15. Nevertheless, a big boy! A big, happy, caring, and quirky boy

who will undoubtedly say the “wrong” thing. 

And let me be clear, the wrong thing usually involves a large social setting, pointing, and proclaiming, “Hey Mom, you know that person!”

Or, not being able to navigate his space in public. 

Or, in a deep conversation with himself while others are watching. 

Perhaps you’ve encountered someone similar. Now, be honest with yourself: have you thought, what is wrong with this kid?

Don’t worry: I am not here to shame you if you said yes. 

But I will ask that if you encounter someone – an individual, another human – to remember they experience the same feelings you do. And while they may not hear your inner thoughts, they are keen enough to sense them.

Autism Awareness Month

Our son is many things and being autistic is one of them. 

I will take a quote from the amazing Temple Grandin, an autistic herself, who navigated her own special world while sharing her gift in becoming a prominent American Scientist and Activist: 

“I am different, not less.” 

Temple Grandin

Read that again. 

Being different should is not a precursor for a life not well lived. My child is different, and he knows he is. 

April is Autism Awareness month, and I appreciate and understand the sentiment behind it. 

But, if you truly want to know more about Autism, reach out to a parent like myself. You’ll gain understanding and awareness for those who are different.