We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!

Trigger Warning: don’t read this if you’re having a fragile day. I’m doing something I rarely do. I’m writing about the history of autism and how far we have come. Although it is uplifting overall, we start in a dark place.

In the 1970’s and 80’s, it was common for kids with autism to be institutionalized.  Their parents were often blamed for their disorder. Many of the therapies we use now were not widespread and parents were encouraged to send their kids away. They did not receive the help they needed. 

These kids could be my Mikey. They could be your child. I can’t hold back the tears looking at this photo. I wonder what their interests were and what they might have liked to do with their lives. Did they ever get to splash their feet in the ocean? Did they get to play in the snow? Did they ever go to the zoo?

But

We have come a long way. My Michael has gotten to do all those things.  Now, parents are encouraged to give their autistic kids as many experiences as possible. Mikey got to go to a typical elementary school and middle school and high school.  This is his 5^th grade school photo, taken ten years ago.

I can’t get lost in the past. I need to use this to fuel my advocacy.  What will I be able to teach the world about autism? How will I be able to open a new world of possibilities for the kids (and adults) with autism 50 years in the future? How much more enlightened will society become? What advances will be made in therapies and medications? The sky’s the limit, my friends.

We have come a long way and we’re only moving onward and upward!