Hey Loves, yesterday (Monday 28th March 2022), was the start of Autism Acceptance Week, also known as Autism Awareness Week-dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of autism. My son is a young person with a diagnosis of autism, and although he has been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum for more than 17 years (he is now 19), my eyes still well up with tears when I speak about it. There are tears of joy, when I see how far he has come, but also sad tears when I consider the new challenges that he encounters as a young adult with autism. I don’t always acknowledge this week or month, as this is our lives all the time BUT that is in our home, and there is a lot more autism awareness and acceptance needed.
Autism is often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’, revealed through behaviour rather than a physical look. Autism affects communication, social interaction, cognitive development, and more. Each child, young person and adult with autism/ on the autistic spectrum is unique. I am blessed to know on an intimate level -thanks to my son and nephew that an autism diagnosis does not mean ‘life is over’ but rather that a new life begins. A life where you can find fulfilment in simplicity and the pure love from someone who sees the world in a different way than you do. It was not always this easy and every day is a new lesson but more so a new blessing. If you want to know a little about our journey so far, check out our autism blog. It wasn’t/ isn’t always sunshine and rainbows but it is an honest look at autism from people who live it.
Throughout this month, I will be sharing a little (just a little) more about autism through our eyes both on our autism blog and my new podcast. You can also find out more through the links below:
The above links are just some of the many helpful sites dedicated to autism. You can find out more about autism and Autism Acceptance Week 2022 wherever you are. There are free resources, fundraising opportunities and events available if you are interested in learning more. I am also always happy to talk to anyone about autism. World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day is Saturday 2nd April 2022 and during the whole month of April the autism banner is flown high and proud around the world. But we want a world where this is not just for the month of April… but always!
This post is for Dacian and Blake, you complete our world and we are so blessed that you share yours with us. We 💙 you!
I also want to dedicate this post to Cam, Lou, Miggi, Leah, and all the wonderful children and young people I work with and have over the years. Thank you and your families for sharing and blessing us all with your lights 💙
Besos
TBH xoxo
thebeautyholder 
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