Share Your Story | Brooks and Victoria
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“My superhero and one of my greatest teachers 🤍 When Brooks was diagnosed with autism a few years ago, I was never worried about the diagnosis itself but how others would treat him and accept him.
Acceptance is the biggest factor in our day to day life with Brooks and I know for many others as well.
The other day, when I was picking up the coolest shirts @deez.cuts.craft.co made for Brooks and I, Vaia asked me “but what is autism?”
Now that Vaia is older, I thought I’d try to explain it a little bit in ways I thought she would understand…
“Everyone has super powers in their body and mind. Some people think one way while others think another. You know how sometimes Brooks needs certain things done in a specific way or else he gets upset? Well that’s one of the ways Brooks’ brain works.
Autism is like a big rainbow, you have one end of the rainbow and it goes allll the way to the other side. If Brooks was on one side of the rainbow and we had another little boy who also has his own superpowers like Brooks, but he may be on the other side of the rainbow because he still has his own special superpowers despite both Brooks and this boy having the same diagnosis that is Autism.”
It’s called a spectrum for a reason!
Brooks has been seen to be “different” “difficult” “loud” and many other words. We’re out in public a lot with the kids and it can be frustrating as a parent to be watched when your child is stimming or sensory seeking and having a tough time understanding certain situations.
There were times I wanted to yell at someone “he’s got Autism okay?! Can you please leave us alone” and I felt like I needed to label him so others could understand.
The awareness of what ASD is and how it affects those who experience it is what is important.
Ask the hard and maybe awkward questions because the more awareness about neurodiversity the better!
Celebrate Autism Awareness Month by lighting up your house and businesses with colourful lights and colourful drawings on your windows and make sure to tag @autismservicesofsaskatoon 🌈♾️”
