This is my son.
He’s cute right? He is almost 12 years old. My life and my families’ life was forever changed when he was born.
He has a birthday this week and when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday gift, he promptly typed this on his Ipad….
“for masses to understand that people with autism are not so different.”
Wow. It would actually be easier to go to Target and buy him something but unfortunately Target doesn’t sell “tolerance, awareness and empathy towards others with disabilities” in a cute little box. So, it’s up to me to spread the word.
This week, in honor of my son and others like him, can you help to make his birthday wish come true?
- Talk with your kids about people with disabilities. Please stress the importance that they are just like us and that they crave love, respect and presumption of competence just like everyone does.
- If you see a person with a disability, introduce yourself! Be kind. Smile. Give ‘em a high five!
- Ask your children to befriend a child at school who may have a few extra special needs. Kids with disabilities can feel so isolated.
- Preach tolerance. Let’s eliminate the word “retard” from our vocabulary. If you hear someone say it as a “joke”, please correct them.
- If you’re a business owner, consider hiring someone with a disability. They make some of the most loyal employees.
- Tonight at dinner, chat with your family about how you can help make an impact in your community so “masses will understand that people with autism are not so different.” Thanks!!
8 comments… add one
Susie Knight January 27, 2014, 12:29 pm
Well, Lil Jack has forever changed my life as well. I hope you have very Happy Birthday and I will continue to help and love people with disabilities. I love the look on their faces when you touch their hearts.
Happy, Happy Birthday Dear Sweet Jack!
Amy January 27, 2014, 7:43 pm
Thank you sweet Susie:) <3
Paul Sporer January 27, 2014, 1:49 pm
What a great Kid & Idea.
Amy January 27, 2014, 7:43 pm
Thanks Paul. I agree. Great idea and great kid too
Jim Duffy January 27, 2014, 3:58 pm
As parents of a down syndrone son, we know how rude some people are but it has also brought out the best in most people so we ignored the unpleasant and set them straight when possible. After over 50 years you’ll be happy to know that things are much better today because we (collectably) spoke up instead of ignoring the rudeness. We can only hope that you can say the same, at some point. Our prayers are with you.
Amy January 27, 2014, 7:41 pm
Thank you Jim. This is learning process for us and we are getting better at educating and creating awareness.
Jean Rich January 27, 2014, 4:17 pm
Thank you for sharing this story!! My son is on the spectrum as well and those are birthday, Christmas, anniversary, Valentines’s Day wishes I always have for him. Your words are very moving and very well said. I hope he gets some of what he wishes for — knocking down barriers for our kids one day at a time. Best to you, your son and your whole family.
Amy January 27, 2014, 7:42 pm
Thank you Jean. Best to you and your son too…Jack’s wish is for all of them.