The Puzzle Piece

It's Autism Awareness Month! And you know what that means! It's time to pull out everything blue and get those creative juices flowing on ways that you can help spread awareness about autism and advocate! In the past, Solon and I have had some creative ideas on how to support the autistic community. Here are a few ways you can show your support to the autistic people you care most about.  The Color Blue As many of you know, blue is the color that has been adopted to represent autism. Showing off your blue clothing is one way to go to show off your passion toward autism. Every year, stores display t shirts with some clever or touching saying about autism. Wearing blue during the month of April is an easy way help do your part to spread awareness.  In the past, Solon and I have dyed our hair blue. Dying my hair was my idea, however Solon expressed his interest in putting the color in his own hair to show off at school. I had my doubts about putting the dye in Solon's hair. Ba...

 In some people, autism can cause other issues that may not have presented themselves had the person not been autistic. I thought it might be helpful to tackle some of these issues one at a time. Sometimes, dealing with extra issues can seem overwhelming and they might cause us to become a little frustrated in how we handle things. Let's turn those frustrations into creativity as we learn to deal with those little extra things. Scripting Recently, I learned from Solon's speech therapist that he exhibits a behavior called Scripting. Scripting is a repetition of words, phrases or sounds of the speech of others. It can be taken from movies, commercials, books or something that someone has said. It's called scripting because the person has literally memorized a script to repeat and it doesn't usually require a response.  No one really knows why scripting exists. Some specialists theorize that it only happens due to stress or anxiety. Others say it is just a way of learning ...

 Autism can oftentimes be viewed in a negative light. Worrying about meltdowns, social skills and all around progress can be exhausting and daunting for autistic people and those who care about them. However, there is so much positivity we can gain from this condition as well. So, in the interest of shining some light on this potentially dark situation, here are some of the positive things that come from autism.  People With Autism Rarely Lie Most of us lie in our daily lives. Sometimes, it can be to keep that surprise party a secret or to spare another's feelings. There can be all kinds of reasons to feel the need to tell that little white lie. And these untruths can sometimes pop up in our conversations freely and frequently.  Autistic people rarely lie. They rarely find the reason to. If they are capable, an autistic individual can express themselves honestly about how they are feeling or what they are doing. The situation doesn't matter. Positive or negative, an autis...

 For many of us, if not all of us, there are certain mysteries surrounding autism and people in the special needs community. Dealing with some of the effects of autism can often leave us scratching our heads in confusion. Those who do not deal with special needs can often have their own views or beliefs. Sometimes this is due to no exposure to the special needs community. Other times, it can be related to things they have heard about autism or autistic individuals. I thought it might be helpful to discuss some of the popular myths surrounding autism in order that we might understand it better and be able to better share that information with others.  Myth # 1 People with Autism Don't want Friends This is false. People with autism can sometimes have problems with speech, such as forming words or problems making certain sounds. Due to this difficulty, it can be difficult to socialize with others and create a potential friendship. This doesn't mean they don't want friends. The...

 Oftentimes, as parents of autistic or special needs children, we can run into others who might say some unbelievable things about the disorder. This is not the time to become angry or offended. Many times, people who say these things are simply uneducated about autism and need an explanation of how things work. So, in the interest of being helpful, I am sharing with you some of the most ridiculous things people have said to me about autism.  "Your son doesn't look autistic." This was said to me by a friend of mine who had had no exposure to special needs people at all. In his mind, they all carried the same vacant, faraway expression and neutral face so that it can be seen with your own eyes that they are autistic. There is nothing further from the truth.  While some children may carry that expression, it is not solely a look of autism. We all make that same face in our lives for different reasons. All of us are guilty of spacing out once in awhile and going off to our o...

 Happy new year, Everyone!!! Let me just wish you all the very best for this new year! I know it's been awhile since I've written anything. As Santa's personal elf in charge of getting Solon excited and ready for Christmas, I was very busy. We had a wonderful (and exhausting) holiday and I loved every minute of it.  Once Christmas is finished, there are a few things I still have to do. As much as Solon loves Christmas, there are a few "must have's" Solon insists on to ring in the new year. Solon thrives when he's on a schedule and the holidays are no different. Here's a few things I do for Solon to keep him excited and interested while we prepare for a whole new year.  Calendar I know it might seem a little odd, but Solon insists on being the one to change the calendar. Every year, I buy a new calendar or two to replace the old. Solon likes having his own calendar. I will get him a calendar based on something he likes. Last year's was Toy Story. Th...

Disclaimer  The purpose of this blog is to create a safe space to discuss your different ideas and thoughts about autism. The intent is not meant to replace the relationship between your autistic child and healthcare provider. If you suspect your autistic child, relative or friend is in danger, contact your local authorities.  This is a safe place for you to ask questions or offer your suggestions to others. This is not a place to start debates or arguments. You may express your opinions on a topic; however, always be respectful when speaking with one another. This blog is to offer support. Harassment or bullying of any kind will not be permitted here. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to mention them in the comments below. I will do my best to answer any questions and offer helpful suggestions. Welcome to The Puzzle Piece Hello! My name is Jen and I have been dealing with autism for 13 years. My son, Solon, was diagnosed with autism at age 5 and is now g...