awareness at what cost?

april 28 2009

Some people say I shouldn't write about the problems I experience with my sons, because it makes it more difficult for them to keep their spirits up.

Recognizing the same problems they're facing (or even worse) makes them realize their family is far from normal too.

I can understand that looking in a mirror hurts.
And I'm sorry if I'm triggering pain.

But I've been told that writing about the problems I'm facing with the boys has also made some parents seek help. Some children have been diagnosed because of my blog. They're receiving treatment now.

These are two sides of the same coin.

Today I've been with my autistic son (nr4) to a centre where they provide daycare and guidance to a job.
When we were there we felt the openness, the rest and the pleasure of people working together.
Suddenly my son of 16 was not a stranger between people anymore.

He'll be accepted there when he wants to go there and all paperwork is done.

I have to convince the council representative that we've found the right path in life for him.
Ofcourse she'll start telling me he needs to go to school and will present again all her legal blabla.
But after more than a year we still haven't found him a proper place in a school, and I know we'll never find that place.

He deserves to find happiness, deserves to be between people who accept him the way he is.
When he wants to learn for a schooldiploma he can always do so by using written courses.

In his case I'm convinced life has enough lessons to teach.
Let them be taught gently.

Let's hope that after more than a year of threatening us with legal action these council representatives will finally see the light of autism awareness.

I'm tired of fighting them.