April is Autism Awareness month. Like most people I used to not think much about the disease, but recently I've found myself touched by it in a number of ways.
Initially, I found out a co-workers son had it and through listening to tales of his struggles and accomplishments I started to learn more about how difficult it can be to cope with the disorder. I ended up watching many programs on TV about it and reading information online. Many families end up divorced because of it. There is an extremely high number of single mothers raising autistic children alone. And this was almost the case with my co-worker. He had an enormously hard time dealing with it and he and his wife came dangerously close to splitting up when his son was diagnosed. To hear him talk now about his child you can sense a level of pride that far exceeds the normal father-son relationship. He glows every time he has the chance to talk about little George.
More recently, I've become good friends with _Pie_. Her young daughter, Saar, also has autism. Having had the chance to spend time around them and actually interact with someone effected by it you can't help but have your world changed. At first it weighs on your heart how hard it must be to have to raise a child with such a disability, but the more you let her in, the more you become amazed at how much personality and character she has. Saar's laughter is infectious. It's addicting to hear it. She smiles all day long, everyday. And while at first I thought that because she doesn't speak that she would have difficulty conveying her feelings. I could not have been more wrong. There are even moments when I've envied Saar's life. It seems she lives in simplistic, blissful, beautifully happy place. Free from all the pettiness and drama we inflict upon each other.
This Friday, April 18th @ 4:30pm _Pie_ and 666Irish will be on the The Ed Norris Show talking about how special it is to have Saar in their life. Baltimore area locals can listen to it at 105.7fm, and those not in the area can listen live at WHFS.com. Please tune in if you can.
For more information or to donate to a charity for Autistic Children please click here and here.
Initially, I found out a co-workers son had it and through listening to tales of his struggles and accomplishments I started to learn more about how difficult it can be to cope with the disorder. I ended up watching many programs on TV about it and reading information online. Many families end up divorced because of it. There is an extremely high number of single mothers raising autistic children alone. And this was almost the case with my co-worker. He had an enormously hard time dealing with it and he and his wife came dangerously close to splitting up when his son was diagnosed. To hear him talk now about his child you can sense a level of pride that far exceeds the normal father-son relationship. He glows every time he has the chance to talk about little George.
More recently, I've become good friends with _Pie_. Her young daughter, Saar, also has autism. Having had the chance to spend time around them and actually interact with someone effected by it you can't help but have your world changed. At first it weighs on your heart how hard it must be to have to raise a child with such a disability, but the more you let her in, the more you become amazed at how much personality and character she has. Saar's laughter is infectious. It's addicting to hear it. She smiles all day long, everyday. And while at first I thought that because she doesn't speak that she would have difficulty conveying her feelings. I could not have been more wrong. There are even moments when I've envied Saar's life. It seems she lives in simplistic, blissful, beautifully happy place. Free from all the pettiness and drama we inflict upon each other.
This Friday, April 18th @ 4:30pm _Pie_ and 666Irish will be on the The Ed Norris Show talking about how special it is to have Saar in their life. Baltimore area locals can listen to it at 105.7fm, and those not in the area can listen live at WHFS.com. Please tune in if you can.
For more information or to donate to a charity for Autistic Children please click here and here.
VIEW 25 of 34 COMMENTS
derceto:
the place is like three blocks from north, so i don't really have to worry about the noise from there. i just wanted to make sure it wasn't randomly a high crime area or something. we may end up being sort of neighbors. i guess being like three minutes away counts
treblah:
so far Stiles has expressed interest but other than that there are no takers 