Reflections…
When I look in the mirror what do I see?
A boy with blue eyes and a beautiful smile
A boy who lines up his cars for order
A boy who views things differently than others
A boy who loves his family, who tries his best
A boy who is sensitive to the world around him
A boy who directs the orchestra in his head
A boy who views things from unique angles
A boy whose heart beats the same as yours
A boy who marches to his own drum
A boy who is different and beautiful
A boy…
I wrote this to help better understand the mind of my grandson. Like many others, he is on the Autism Spectrum. He is a second-grader who is an A and B student in a mainstreamed school program, but he still struggles every day. He has to work hard to manage the world around and how it impacts his senses. Some days are better than others. We are lucky, when he was little, we were told that he may never speak. Fortunately, they were wrong, and he started speaking around 4-1/2 years old.
Before his diagnosis, I didn’t really know what Autism was and truthfully, I still don’t understand a lot about it. I know my grandson! I have come to learn his cues and his moods to help him. He has learned a lot about them too. It has also opened my eyes more to those around.
According to the CDC, about 1% of the world population has autism spectrum disorder. Its prevalence in the US is estimated at 1 in 44 births in 2018 – an increase of over 200% from 2000 (when it was 1 in 150 births).
As the prevalence of Autism has increased, so must our awareness. Not only should we be aware, we should also help others – especially our children – to help with inclusion, awareness and acceptance.
Everyone is different, it is up to us to recognize and support these differences.
When I opened Club Z! In Home Tutoring of Pittsburgh, I had not only my grandson but also all other students who have been upended by the last few years. My only goal was to help as many students as possible make it through successfully.
Please visit us at www.clubzpittsburgh.com/pittsburgh or follow us on our Facebook and Instagram at @clubztutorpgh for more information.
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