What is Autism?

What is Autism? You hear the word, you see it on commertials or see the people outside of stores passing out fliers, magnets and bracelets. But do you really know what Autism is? Most people throw a dollar in the jar, glance at the article in the news, but thats just about it. Until your directly affected by it it's just another word. But with the statistics it may pay to know about it. Now in the United States 1 in 100 kids will be diagnosed. In the United States 1 in 75 boys are diagnosed. In Washington state 1 in 50 boys are diagnosed. Autism now is more common then most childhood cancers, but less is known about it.

How can you help? It really doesn't take that much. Maybe you've heard someone close to you has Autism, someone in your church, someone you work with has a kid with it, or maybe even a neighbor down the road. Why not stop by to say Hi, do you want to talk? Or call them, maybe even text. Bring them a plate of cookies or ask them how you can help.

What is Autism? To the child that suffers with it, it is a challenge, a struggle they battle with every day. If it is accompanied by Sensory Processing Disorder, it is painful. If it is accompanied by ADHD it is hard to focus and everyday task that are easy to the average kids are 10 times harder for these kids. Sometimes it's hard to fit in, these kids are often teased by there peers and in some neighborhoods can't even come out of there homes for fear the neighbor kids will tease or pick on them. If they have no words its the thing that traps them inside there own bodies, people around them talk about them but think they don't know hear them. They hear the adults around them say they don't want them there. To these kids this is a pain they can feel but not express.

What is Autism? To the parent or caregiver that faces it every day it is a painful thankless job. It is the barrier that comes between you and your child. It is the pain you wish you could take away and the stress you know they feel. To the parent of a kid with Autism it is the hardest thing in the world. You would give anything to change the world for them. You love them but often don't hear the words. For the parents of Autism it's the loss of a normal kid. Often if the symptoms come out later in life it is the loss of the child you knew.

Who are these kids, who are these parents. Who are they without the label. They are everyday people who got given a challenge. They are Mom's, Dads , and caregivers who are strong fighters , representatives of these kids. They are people to be admired. These kids are kids who often " think outside the box and in the circle". They are kids who give kisses in weird ways and who often can tell you ever detail of Thomas the train or a video game Who are these kids as adults. Artists like Vincient Van Gogh. Inventors like Eienstein. Computer geniuses like Bill Gates. These kids see the world in a different way and often teach there parents. These kids are the most honest, innocent of Gods creations. These are Gods little soldiers and the parents often Generals.

What is Autism? Who is Autism? Elijah, Adriel, and Mathias Hodges are Autism. I am the Mom who fights it. I am there re presenter.

Who are these kids without the label.

Elijah is a delightful little boy, he has a memory thats amazing, is awesome in math and language often spurting out the biggest most mature words you will hear and loves his Mom, Dad and sister very much. He is the greatest big brother around.

Adriel is the most forgiving, accepting, lovable little boy in the world. He doesn't say understandable words but when he says something he says alot. He does funny things with his hands and loves his kitty, stacking blocks and yellow truck. Adriel despite the label always has a smile on his face. He is very innocent and I believe the closest thing I've seen to pure innocence. He loves food and is always running about.

Mathias is a spunky fun loving boy. He loves books and drawing, often reffered to as "Goo circles". Mathias is a Momma's boy and is the most delightful little boy to have on your lap when your reading a book, sinking into your arms. Mathias is a problem solver and will stand up for himself. He is often the kid torturing his sister or older twin Adriel. But I guarantee when he's older if someone messes with his siblings , he will be the first to react. Mathias says few words and often mimics. He loves kisses and fives and is the best hugger around.

I am a hard working Mom, a wife, and a country girl. I love gardening, occasionally going for the pedicure, I like a glass of wine from time to time and a beer too. I like hunting, fishing and hiking. I love animals

What is Autism? A brain injury. Who are we? The people effected by it. Now ask yourself, What is Autism? Do you really know.