The term “autismland” is used by some in the autism community because that’s where I remember hearing it. I have also heard the term “living on autism island.” You get the drift. It’s like living in another world, one that most typical people do not understand. It’s okay if you don’t understand. We are not meant to understand every disability that exists in the world.

I am a part of many on-line autism communities and I also know many people who have children and teens on the autism spectrum. Some of my closest confidants come from this community.

Lately, I have been reading so many different stories from the on-line community. I have to say that 99% of them are negative experiences that these parents have had to go through. I think that with the start of school, there are more challenges for these families and our school system (not just in Canada) is not equipped to handle these challenges.

As you may be able to imagine, some of these stories are heartbreaking…….parents have to pick kids up every day because of something that happened….negative notes are being sent home to parents describing how bad their child was during the day…..parents having to deal with their child on the spectrum being aggressive toward their other children…..talk about what meds they can put their child on…….the list goes on and on and on. Every day parents are looking for advice, help and guidance on what to do. Why is it like this?

My heart breaks every day when I read these stories because some of them I have personally experienced. I’m not here to analyze our broken school system or the lack of support for people with disabilities to be able to be given the same opportunity to learn in a way that makes sense for them. I just want to bring awareness to the matter.

Our family experienced lots of devastation and things that if you don’t live in autismland you could never possibly comprehend. Even now that our children are older, we are still navigating a different world from everyone else. The course of a day can change very quickly and we just have to move along with it.

Most people don’t know what to do to help and I get it. But there are things that we can all do to make small happy moments happen during a day. Perhaps it’s a smile you give someone who is sitting across from you at an appointment. Maybe it’s a quick text or email telling someone you are praying for them and their family today. It could be dropping off that much needed coffee to a parent that makes their day just a little brighter. Or dropping off a special treat for that child to enjoy, or perhaps picking up some groceries for them. The list goes on and on.

If you don’t know what to do, just ask.

God created us all unique and special. The way we are is exactly the way that God wants us to be. God also created us to help our neighbour and to help people in need.

Galatians 6:2 says,

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

What an amazing verse for all of us to remember! We have so many opportunities every day to honour God. Let us always remember that.

Shelly Wedge
Exceptional Family Ministries Coordinator
Amberlea Church