Autism Awareness and Acceptance: Whole Spectrum Foundation · Parents Of Children with Autism (POAC.net) · Oasis Farms Adult Autism Services · Autism New Jersey.org · Autism Speaks.org · NJ Dept. of Human Svcs.: Office Of Autism · Family Guide
By: Rehema Collier (Facebook)
Since this is AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, I just want to put my opinions in about the situation. Yes this is the month, but this is LIFE for IZMETH and I.
My son, fortunately, is VERY VERY VERY verbal. ??? He has been this way for years. I refused to pity him. If he wanted something he had no other choice but to say what it was. I labeled everything in the house. I treated him no differently than I did my older children.
This has not been a easy journey at all, especially doing it as a a single parent. I’m here for the laughter the tears and wildly crazy outbursts. They can last for 30 to 40 minutes at a time. I get so frustrated but try to keep calm. I have to remember what if that was me. No one would want to be like this on purpose.
Don’t get me wrong — he is a gentle giant and extremely bright. He understands what the truth and lies are. So I have to be more disciplinary with him now. NO hitting just letting him know I know you understood what you just lied about — now you will be punished.
Izmeth is a teenager now 17. It can be very frustrating indeed. I have to confess sometimes I lay in my bed or in the bathroom and cry. I have serious health issues.but can’t really focus on that as much as I should because I know he needs me. I’m working on that.
I taught him how to cook when he was 9. Izmeth is a master chef — LOL, He thinks so. He really is good. He is also into his electronics and art. I love this young man with all my heart and soul. God gave him to me for a reason. I plan on taking on this special responsibility until the day I die. So thank you for this month, but this is our life.
EDITOR’S NOTE:This article is authored by the editor’s niece, who passed away in August 2022.