Autism isn't a dirty word!

Look at that face. That face belongs to my 4 year old son, Connor. Connor loves trains, cars and petting the cats (when they will let him get close enough, that is). He loves jumping on the couch -- even though he's not supposed to -- and he loves having playdates with his friends. Connor is very bright, and is already reading at a third grade level. He will sing the alphabet song until it drives you crazy, and he can count to 100.

On the outset, Connor isn't all that different from any other 4 year old save one thing. He has autism. Yes, people, AUTISM. He is very high-functioning, and most people have no clue he is on the spectrum unless they are told. I am constantly hearing things like "he doesn't really have autism, does he?" and "I never would have guessed if you hadn't told me!"

Connor's autism presents him with some very interesting behaviors at times. He'll do things like lining up his toys and then not wanting you to mess with his order. Sometimes he feels the need to spin in circles until he's dizzy or crash into furniture so he can get some extra sensory input. These behaviors can make others uncomfortable. I get that. But Connor didn't ask to have autism. Unfortunately, he didn't get a say in the matter.

Sadly, we are finding out every day that an awful lot of people would rather put children like Connor in a room and pretend they don't exist. Well, you know what? I'M TIRED OF IT. My child is a human being. God created him and loves him just as much as any other child. And I have had it with some peoples' attitudes toward him. My child deserves to be happy and loved just like any other child. So from here on out, when I know someone is excluding him just because his autism makes them uncomfortable, I'm going to call them on it. No more being nice and pretending I don't notice. I am going to start making those kinds of people just as uncomfortable as they make me and my son. It's way past time people learn to be a little more accepting of others, and maybe God is pushing me to be the person who helps that happen.