Through my son Josh, I can see that living with autism is hard to do. The hurdles are chronic, and include a constant struggle with anxiety, impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication, repetitive and awkward behavior, restricted interests, isolation, depression, and often if not constant, an unsurmountable level of stress.
Suicidal ideation in a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is nearly 70%.
Right in the middle of all these debilitating issues, is a purity. There is the ability to be present, and to live in each moment, and to experience others as they are, without judgement, and living without pretense, guilt, and regret is commonplace.
I believe that these latter characteristics are for the rest of us. They are our gift.
If you know someone with autism, be kind to them. Support them and love them. The struggles someone on the autism spectrum deal with are overwhelming, and the suffering experienced is often at the hands of others. You can change that right here, right now. Be kind.
If you are someone with autism…you are loved, you are wonderful, you matter, and you belong here. You my friend, are a life worth living.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Listen to the Podcast: JHA030: Suicide | http://www.sonyaking.com/jha030-suicide
I'd love to hear what you have to say...Please leave a reply