Special Feature — Hear From Local Autism Warriors

By Kami-Leigh Agard

In celebration of April Global Autism Acceptance Month, each week this column featured a variety of caregivers, educators and individuals on the autism spectrum, each imparting their lived experience and perspective. In this last installation, here is a throwback to 2018 with local mom, Christine Dydzuhn. Christine is one of the first people to band with me in founding Rockaway Beach Autism Families. With the recent stats of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that autism prevalence in the U.S. has increased from 1 in 36 children to 1 in 31—we all know of at least one person with autism, and according to Christine, as a society, should get to know these individuals and families.

Authored by Christine Dydzuhn

Autism is different. It pushes you in a direction you don’t want to go down but must face. Autism is like a giant wave hitting you from behind as you toss and turn until you can finally come up for some air. Every so often the giant wave hits you off guard again, and down you go.  Autism is not the yellow brick road, but more like a construction zone site. Let’s be honest. Autism sucks! As selfish as this may seem, if you don’t have to deal with it — why should you even think about it?

I’m urging you to please, think hard and strong, because we need you. The everyday person, the local postman, the cashier at the food market or maybe even the owner of a car dealership. Every one of you will one day come in contact with someone who has autism, and that person who has autism needs you. They need you to understand why they are covering their ears from the sound. They need you to understand why sometimes they are crying and screaming. They need you to get it. If more communities pull together, the less of a challenge it is for the families. Go to support group meetings in your community like Rockaway Beach Autism Families’, even if no one in your immediate family circle has autism. Autism is not your child, but your child will know autism. Stand up and speak, and don’t hesitate to get involved.

We, the parents of these children, want to meet you. The person who just comes to these group meetings just because they want to learn more is the greatest gift you can give someone. It may be a hassle, but you are doing such a great service if you do. I am so happy to see corporations and nonprofits increasingly understanding and providing services much more now. As the future grows for these children, who will soon become adults, let’s provide for their future. Let us give them the opportunity to work in our community. Let’s give them the opportunity to live independently in our community. There is an obligation to these children to open our hearts and try to understand their world. Offer a mom or dad with a child who has a disability just a kind word or even just a “hello.”  Don’t walk the other way, but walk up to them, and ask them if they need anything or if everything is okay.

Rockaway is booming and growing every day. Let’s give opportunities to the children, teens and adults with autism living on this peninsula. Get to know who they are. Teach your children by example. Let’s grow together as a community, so each and everyone gets an enjoyable experience! So, the next time there is a Rockaway Beach Autism Families family support group meeting, please come to meet the most remarkable group of people. Autism has no hate, nor judgment on anyone. So come out the next time we have a meeting—we need to meet you!

Inclusive Instruction Essentials LLC (IIE) will be speaking about the services they will be providing to schools, teachers, administrators and parents at Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) monthly support group meeting happening today—Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m. at Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). Also, RBAF Radio Bingo Fundraiser for the South L.A., Calif. Autism Society with DJs At Work on Saturday, April 26 at Knights of Columbus; and Third Annual Walk for Autism on the boardwalk with RBAF and Rockaway St. Camillus Special Olympics. For more info, visit: www.rockawaybeachautismfamilies.org or Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/Instagram.