Thank You For The Teaching Moments About Autism
By Kami-Leigh Agard
“Autism is one word trying to express millions of stories. Offer support, not judgment.”
Just recently, Rockaway Beach Autism Families’ board member Jacob Zuniga and I produced and shot an “Autism Awareness” video, starring four local individuals on the spectrum. My daughter, the lone girl in the video, is nonverbal. I was so proud to see her little five seconds of fame with her strumming a ukulele. The other three individuals were boys of varying ages, and as we recorded their replies to the two questions: “What Is Autism?” and “How would you describe Autism in one word,” I was floored by their fervent, very distinct answers. To see the video, visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/ Instagram.
Folks, I’m going to be transparent. I would be completely lying if I said that I didn’t wish I could hear my Soa’s voice answering the questions. However, after replaying and replaying the video, probably at this point a thousand times. I’m so enamored and proud of my daughter, and the parents whose children also starred in the video: Christine Dydzuhn, mom of Patrick, Missy Echevarría, mom of Stevie Jr, Matt Wolf, dad of Michael, and Venus Ramos, James’ mommy. They represent all of what’s beautiful and admirable about being a parent of a special-needs child.
When one describes autism as a spectrum, that’s no understatement. Think of when you look through a kaleidoscope and see a continually changing pattern of shapes and colors. I was reminded of that kaleidoscope when the aforementioned parents came to my home to record the video.
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) latest edition, there are three levels of ASD—level 1, level 2, or level 3, indicating the extent to which autism impacts an individual’s ability to communicate and take care of themselves. According to this categorization, level 3 is possessing little to no communication skills, rarely initiating social interaction and requiring a higher level of support with daily living.
However, though I do appreciate the countless studies, I fervently believe that if a parent or individual succumbs to a label based on a broad litmus test, you are blocking the talent and promise that’s there. And again, every time I look at the video, I feel joy, not sadness. As little Stevie said, “Autism is my superpower!” Patrick said, “I’m a mammoth warrior,” and James stated, “Autism is showing appreciation for your family and friends.” As for Michael, he expressed his love for swimming, while my Soa strummed the ukulele.
What could be more beautiful? This is the rainbow of our beautifully and equally blessed children and families.
As stated in the quote at the beginning of this column, individuals with autism need support, not judgment for where they reside on the rainbow of resplendent colors.
Join Rockaway Beach Autism Families’ (RBAF) at this month’s family support group happening today—Thursday, February 20, 7 p.m. at Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th Street). Folks—these meetings are so invaluable because whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist—a well of info and resources are shared. I personally think of our support group meetings as a classroom that ultimately has helped me advocate, not just for my daughter, but also, other families and children. Plus, we have invited speakers talking on a variety of topics. On another note, for RBAF’s rollout of special events for April’s Autism Awareness Month, including our 3rd Annual Walk for Autism and Radio Bingo Fundraiser for the autism community affected by South LA’s wildfires—visit: Rockaway Beach Autism Families on Facebook/ Instagram. “Join Us in Turning the Tide For the Autism Community Once Wave At a Time.”
