Comments on: Thoughts on Inclusion

By: The Sweet Life | CYNTHIA J. PATTON

The Sweet Life | CYNTHIA J. PATTON — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:03:05 +0000

[...] between my posts on inclusion, the one on stealth grief, the sixth and final installment of the insensitive autism comments, plus [...]

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 06:27:07 +0000

Thanks, LaDonna. Katie loves attending family parties. She successfully participated in a bocce party with my entire family last weekend. Wasn’t sure how that would go. but she did great! She even played bocce. This weekend we went to the beach and did some tide pooling. Again, it went well. I love that she is so willing to try new things.

So many people believe that an autism diagnosis is almost a death sentence. Any hope of a “normal” life is gone. But after you live with
ASD for awhile, you come to realize (or at least I did) that autism isn’t the scary thing you imagined it to be. More and more we are learning the extent of what is possible, and it is far more than the typical school district or so-called expert will tell you. So my family is not unique in their limiting beliefs. (They also think I am incapable of putting up a tent. Lol)

Katie and I must continue to chip away at these false assumptions….

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 06:01:05 +0000

I suspect you are right, Jim. There is something about autism that makes a lot of people uncomfortable. I think part of it is that the kids look “normal” and so people expect them to act that way. There is no visual cue that something is amiss. Another problem is that the kids exhibit “unpredictable” behavior. Bottom line: people tend to fear what they don’t understand. Many people have heard of autism, but not many have experienced it first hand.

The situation with my family, for the most part, has improved a lot. But there are certain issues–such as camping–that they still get hung up on. I plan on trying something very similar to what you suggest later this summer.

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 05:46:49 +0000

Thanks, Deb. We had so much fun with you and the dogs. Katie wants to do it again tomorrow!

By: LaDonna Fehlberg

LaDonna Fehlberg — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 04:25:44 +0000

Your essay is so well written with a definitive insight into the truth of a situation.
Maybe you could invite the entire family to a backyard lunch, complete with tent.
With you and Katie hosting you could show your hospitality and the warmth of being together casually. Katie may enjoy helping them feel welcome. Always my best wishes.
LaDonna

By: Jim Aikin

Jim Aikin — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 16:12:35 +0000

I suspect that autism makes people uncomfortable in a way that, for instance, blindness doesn’t. (I’m not speaking from experience here — I’m guessing.) Not defending your family, just sayin’.

Here’s a suggestion: Plan a short camping trip of your own, and invite your family. Once they see how it goes, they may be more likely to include you and Katie in the future.

By: Deborah Plant

Deborah Plant — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 02:03:27 +0000

Wow! I love you honesty. This was very moving. I am so excited about going with you and Katie to the beach and tide pools tomorrow.

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 05:06:20 +0000

Thanks!

By: Karen Hogan

Karen Hogan — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 16:28:54 +0000

Actually, it took courage to post it!

By: Karen Hogan

Karen Hogan — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 16:28:27 +0000

This took courage to write. Good for you.