1) IF CHILD LIVES WITH CRITICISM, HE LEARNS TO CONDEMN.

2) IF CHILD LIVES WITH HOSTILITY, HE LEARNS TO FIGHT

3) IF CHILD LIVES WITH RIDICULE, HE LEARNS TO BE SHY

4) IF CHILD LIVES WITH SHAME, HE LEARNS TO FEEL GUILTY

5) IF CHILD LIVES WITH TOLERANCE, HE LEARNS TO PATIENT

6) IF CHILD LIVES WITH ENCOURAGEMENT, HE LEARNS TO BE CONFIDENT.

7) IF CHILD LIVES WITH PRAISE, HE LEARNS TO BE APPRECIATED

8) IF CHILD LIVES WITH SECURITY, HE LEARNS TO HAVE FAITH

9) IF CHILD LIVES WITH APPROVAL, HE LEARNS TO LIKE HIMSELF

10) IF CHILD LIVES WITH ACCEPTANCE AND FRIENDSHIP, HE LEARNS TO FIND LOVE IN THE WORLD
 

I am.

I am the little engine that did. When on my journey in life, my tracks led me to a mountain - a diagnosis of Autism - I looked at it with defeat - thinking there was no way I could climb over it. I then pondered the obstacle before me, and I then said to myself over and over, "I think I can, I think I can...," then I slowly started climbing the mountain saying to myself over and over, "I know I can, I know I can,...." and then I made it over that ominous diagnosis and continued my journey. I am the little engine that did.

I am more devoted than Noah's wife. I sometimes feel overwhelmed in my "houseboat" -- 365 days and 365 nights a year, constantly working with and teaching my child. But when the storms of isolation and monotony become most unbearable, I do not jump ship. Instead I wait for the rainbow that is promised to come.

I am Xena. Real life warrior goddess of Autism. With my steel plated armor I can battle anyone who gets in the way of progress for my child. I can overcome the stares and ignorance of those without a disability in their lives - and educate them as to why my child is the way he is, and why he does the things he does. With my sword of persistence, I can battle the schools to have them properly educate my child. Yes, I am Xena - and I am prepared for any battle that might come my way......

I am beautiful. I have hairy legs because I get no time alone in the bathroom, and bags under my eyes from staying up all night with my child.  The only exercise I get is the sprint from my house to my car - to take my child to therapy. Dressed up to me is, well - just that I had a moment to get dressed! They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and so even on the days when I don't feel very beautiful - I will know that I am........ because God is my beholder.

I am the Bionic Woman. With my bionic vision - I can see through the disability my child has, and see the beauty in his soul, the intelligence in his eyes --- when others can't. I have bionic hearing - I can look at my child when he smiles at me, and hear his voice say, "I Love You Mommy," --- even though he can't talk. Yes, I am thankful to be Bionic. 

I am Mary. A not so well known mother of a Special Needs child who was brought here to touch the souls of those around him, in a way that will forever change them. And it started with me. By teaching me things I would never have known, by bringing me friendships I never would have had, and by opening my eyes as to what really matters in life. Things like the Joy of just living in the moment, the Peace of knowing that God is in control, never losing Hope, and knowing an unconditional Love that words cannot express. Yes, I too am blessed by a special child, just like Mary.

I am Superwoman. I am able to leap over tall loads of laundry in a single bound, and run faster than a speeding bullet, to rescue my child from danger. Oh yes, without a doubt, I am Superwoman.

I am Moses. I was chosen to be the mother of a Special Needs Child. I may at times question whether I am the right "man" for the job ---but God will give me the Faith I need to lead my child to be the best he can be. And like Moses, God will give me the small Miracles here and there, needed to accomplish my mission.

I am Stretch Armstrong - a mom that can be stretched beyond belief - and still somehow return to normal. I can stretch limited funds to cover every treatment and therapy that insurance won't. I can stretch my patience as I bounce from doctor to doctor in a quest to treat my child. I can stretch what time I have, and share it with my husband, my children, my church, and still have some leftover to help my friends. Yes, my name is Stretch. And I have the stretch-marks to prove it!

I am Rosa Parks. I refuse to move or waiver in what I believe is right for my child --simply because my view is the minority, not the majority. I refuse to believe "What can one mother do?" But instead, I will write, call, and rally to the government if I have to, and do whatever it takes to prevent discrimination against my child and ensure that he gets the services he needs.

I am Hercules. The Greek god known for strength and courage. The heavy loads I must carry would make others crumble to the ground. The weight of Sorrow, Fear at uncertainty of the future, Injustice at having no answers, and the Tears of despair, would alone possibly be too much, --- even for Hercules. But then the Joy, Laughter, Smiles, and Pride, - at my child's accomplishments, - balance the load to make it easy to bear.

I am touched by an Angel. An Angel who lives in a world of his own. And it's true. He lives in a world of innocence and purity. A world without hatred or deceit. A world where everyone is beautiful and where no-one is ugly. A world where there is always enough time. A world where he goes to bed with no worries of tomorrow and wakes up with no regrets of the past. Yes, I most certainly am touched by an Angel, and in some ways, his world is better....

I am a true "Survivor" - the mom of a child, who has faced, is facing, and will face, --some of the most difficult challenges life has to offer. I am ready for the challenge and have God given endurance to last until the end, -- along with a sense of humor to cope with all the twists, turns, and surprises along the way. Oh yes, I am a TRUE "Survivor" - and I don't need to win a million dollars to prove it!!!

I am a mom of a special needs child, all the above, and so much more. Some days I will want to be none of the above - and just be a typical mom with a typical child, doing typical things. On those days I will know it's okay to be angry, and to cry, and to lean on my family, friends, and church, for support. Because after all, ---the most important thing I am..... is human.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of the "new world," so they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make the school easier to administer, all the animals took all the subjects.

The duck was excellent in swimming, better in fact than his instructor, and made passing grades in flying. But he was very poor in running. Since he was so slow in running, he had to stay after school. He also had to drop swimming to have time to practice running. This was kept up until his web feet were badly worn, which made him only average in swimming. But average was acceptable in school, so nobody worried about that -- except the duck.

The rabbit started at the top of the class in running, but had a nervous breakdown because of so much make-up work in swimming.

The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class, where his teacher made his start from the ground up, instead of from the tree top down.

The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class, he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but he insisted on using his own way to get there.

At the end of the year, an abnormal eel who could swim exceedingly well, and also run, climb, and fly a little had the highest average and was valedictorian.

How many of us, like the duck who is excellent in swimming and good in flying, spend a lifetime running -- only to wear out our feet and in doing so, neglect our true gifts?

Twas the Night Before Christmas, And all through the house
The creatures were stirring, Yes, even the mouse
We tried melatonin, And gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters, They always distract
The children were finally, all nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror, Ran through my OWN head
Did I get the right gift, The right color And style
Would there be a tantrum , Or even, maybe, a smile?
Our relatives come, But they don't understand
The pleasure he gets, Just from flapping his hands.
"He needs discipline," they say, "Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent.." , And on goes the attack
We smile and nod, Because we know deep inside
The argument is moot , let them all take a side
We know what it's like To live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs Achievements, regressions….
But what they don't know And what they don't see
Is the joy that we feel Over simplicity
He said "hello" , He ate something green!
He told his first lie! He did not cause a scene!
He peed on the potty, Who cares if he's ten,
He stopped saying the same thing, Again and again!
Others don't realize, Just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on, At the end of our rope
But what they don't see Is the joy we can't hide
When our children with autism Make the tiniest stride
We may look at others Without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred Or even distaste,
But what they don't know, Nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism Bring simplicity.
We don't get excited , Over expensive things
We jump for joy With the progress work brings
Children with autism Try hard every day
That they make us proud More than words can say.
They work even harder Than you or I
To achieve something small To reach a star in the sky
So to those who don't get it, Or can't get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes, And I'll assure you…
That even 10 minutes, Into the walk
You'll look at me, With respect, even shock.
You will realize What it is I go through
And the next time you judge, I can assure you
That you won't say a thing, You'll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did, When the tables were turned. ..