Comments on: It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn

By: Weekly Blog #4: The Best Way to Understand Autism Spectrum Disorders « Conscious Incompetence

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:55:23 +0000

[...] discusses how we must view autism as a way of being and a natural form of human difference. I found this recent post of hers especially interestingfor its condemnation of Autism Speak’s marketing that [...]

By: Gemma Lee

Gemma Lee — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:18:28 +0000

I stumbled upon this page by accident and I am so glad I did. Such powerful stuff! I did wonder if you have any book suggestions for young siblings of children with autism. I’m a mother of 4, my second to last is autistic. The youngest copes fine with her brother, perhaps because she’s always know him to be so. However , the 2 eldest seem to have trouble understanding that it is not up their brother to adapt to our world, but that it is up to them. A friend suggested “What’s up with Ben? Medikidz explain Autism” and I wondered if there were any other similar books?

By: kristina

kristina — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:02:04 +0000

it can be very dark, but reading this shows where the light is.

Warmest wishes to Adam and you.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:41:29 +0000

I have to wonder where they come up with these things. It’s so sad, and so wrong, and yet the media spreads these messages as news?

When Willy was eight it was making progress, but there were many who were still convinced he’d never “make it,” meaning gaining independence and accountability. Yet, he grows and progresses. Alex does, too, though on a different, less accepted (by society) developmental trajectory. They’re both a few years past eight. Their brains aren’t hardened. Their potential isn’t stymied. Learning, growth, potential…these things don’t just stop.

Why would anyone say they do? For anyone, about anyone?

By: Estee

Estee — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:57:27 +0000

Eithne,

Thanks for commenting here. I’m certain you are already a great mom to your child. Truth be known, it’s comments like these that help me with my son Adam.

Again, thank you.

By: Eithne

Eithne — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:44:56 +0000

Hi Estee

I find your blog very inspiring. You make me want to be a better mother to my 7yo who has autism.
Best to you
Eithne

By: Tanya

Tanya — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:17:23 +0000

Powerful blog Estee!
Our society certainly is becoming socially undone. It is evident that we have made great strides in identifying and labeling, yet we stumble when it comes to resolution and inclusion.
I am a healthcare worker and a strong advocate for my clients, yet almost daily I leave work filled with frustration and anger.The road blocks that lead to my inability to provide emotional and physical care, leave clients stranded in a state where a tragic outcome follows. Most of these could be prevented if we followed simple guidelines of acceptance and integration.
Mike Lipkin is absolutely correct when he states that we need to listen to our innerself. Once our minds and souls are at peace, we will gather enough strength to keep fighting for those who cannot, for those who have not found their own path to follow.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:56:32 +0000

Estee, I hope Adam starts feeling more settled soon.

I have a six-yr old son diagnosed with autism and I love your blog.

By: christine

christine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:39:54 +0000

I love this post! I know that the mother in the autism everyday video got a lot of flack for what she said but I always thought that her statement was a terrible indictment of our society and that we needed to look beyond her words to the bigger picture. These women — and many families — aren’t getting the support that they need. Also, I put a lot of blame on the media and its portrayal of autism as something to be feared and fought against.

By: Scorpion

Scorpion — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:34:07 +0000

Beautiful write-up – people who try to assert their views by trying to fix things in the belief their answer is totally the right one is, in my opinion, wasted energy. Harmony, belief and positive outlooks win all the time.

By: VAB

VAB — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:16:07 +0000

As a parent whose son learned to talk in full sentences at around eight and didn’t get really fluent until around twelve, I’d have to agree. But at least the author gets it that the real suffering for the parents happens when they want to fix their kids rather than just parenting (helping, supporting, teaching and sharing).

By: DJ

DJ — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:12:30 +0000

Well written and so very true – you are amazing! Thank you