Autism Acceptance and Advocy

One of the things that I struggle with most as a Senior Therapist in an intensive in-home therapy program is the advocacy and acceptance of autism. I struggle with this not for myself, but for many of the staff I supervise and the parents I support. I struggle with this because I see each child I work with as a unique and interesting person just as they are and it saddens me that so many of the families support feel like they need to "fix" their child. Don't get me wrong--I want to help each child be the absolute best person that he or she can be. I want them to reach their full potential. But--I want them to do it with dignity and honor. I want them to do it with understanding on my part--not with me forcing them to "comply" with their loved one's standard of normal. I walk a fine line as a Senior Therapist. Here are some wonderful advocacy links that I think ALL therapists who work with children with autism should take the time to read.

The Autism Acceptance Project
Autism Diva