Understanding Autism: A Personal Perspective

I must admit, I have no interest in understanding what causes autism. It simply doesn’t matter to me.

I do not feel the need to assign blame or seek closure regarding my child’s autism. While I may occasionally crave a nap, I don’t need to delve into every detail surrounding autism and its complexities. To borrow a phrase from Bob Seger, I have “turned the page” on that chapter.

Why This Perspective?

Why adopt this seemingly self-centered perspective? The answer is straightforward: it’s about survival. I have numerous responsibilities to handle, and I trust the scientists to do their research. They won’t be the ones to help with laundry or dishes, so I’ll leave the research to them while I focus on practical matters like finding new recipes in my slow cooker.

Connecting with Other Families

You might wonder about the other families facing similar situations. I understand your concerns. I’ve met families who have joined the “Club Spectrum,” and it’s heart-wrenching to witness. However, I cannot shoulder that burden entirely. My priority is to concentrate on what’s best for my child. While I’m always willing to lend a hand and share advice, I firmly believe it’s healthier for parents to engage in lighthearted conversations about entertainment than to dive deep into medical discussions. We must occasionally pause the “All autism, all the time” mentality because, honestly, my mind needs a break.

Facing New Challenges

My son is now ten years old, and I have more pressing matters to attend to. We are approaching a significant transition to middle school. I recently noticed signs of puberty, including hair growth and the unmistakable scent of a teenage boy by day’s end. The thought of navigating topics like shaving fills me with dread. I struggle just to get him to trim his toenails without sneaking it in during his sleep. Is it even possible to shave him while he’s asleep?

Moreover, he still struggles with basic tasks like writing his name. Instead of immersing myself in countless articles about the potential causes of autism, I prioritize his growth and my limited time. With everything going on, I can hardly remember to defrost dinner, let alone sift through extensive medical literature. Research doesn’t feed my family.

Finding Freedom in Acceptance

If you are still grappling with questions about what may have caused your child’s autism, I empathize deeply. I have chosen to step away from that line of inquiry, and I have found greater happiness in doing so.

Despite the routines that govern our lives, this choice has brought a sense of freedom. I’m not suggesting this is the only path; as we say in Jersey, “You do you.” However, consider redirecting your energy away from this singular issue. You might find it liberating.

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Summary

The author expresses a disinterest in understanding the causes of autism, emphasizing the importance of focusing on practical aspects of parenting. They argue that engaging in lighthearted conversations is healthier than dwelling on medical research and encourage others to redirect their energy toward more pressing matters in their lives.

Keyphrase

Understanding Autism