26 Gorgeous Photos That Shatter Autism Stereotypes

by Guest Fri Apr 03, 2015 5:44 am

[ltr]"Autism means looking at the world through a magnificent set of lenses only he can provide," says mom Megan Kuecher, whose son is on the spectrum.[/ltr]
[ltr]In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, and World Autism Awareness Day, we asked the HuffPost Parents community what autism really means to them. Though no two experiences are the same, their answers push back against stereotypes that the autism community has long faced.[/ltr]
[ltr]"It means taking a completely different path on the journey you had in your mind, all while learning that beauty is nothing like you ever imagined, it's better," says mom Amanda Webster.[/ltr]
[ltr]Keep scrolling for gorgeous photos of kids with autism, and read what the diagnosis represents to their families.[/ltr]

1

Andrea Reynolds
At first autism meant "scary" to our family. As time went on autism became normal. The littlest things like your child eating a new food puts you in a good mood and warrants a brag post on Facebook!
2

Aimee Heintz
It means seeing the world through a different set of lenses.
3

Erika Strojny Myers
It would take at least a dozen pictures. Him reading a book at 3-years-old, even though no one taught him how. Crying because the sun hurts his eyes or his brothers were just too loud. Laughing. Snuggling. Riding his bike. He has taught us so much. He is truly our sunshine.
4

Liz O'Neill DeSantis
Our daughter has Down syndrome and autism and is a small piece of the puzzle. Autism means a little more unique than the rest...
5

Bree Beers
Autism is enjoying swings, rides and slides!
6

Nikki Walling
Autism means your child can be your hero.
7

Denisse Edwards
Autism to me means cherishing every milestone, every bite of food, every babble, every time my son points to something to share interest, every hug, every kiss. We rejoiced when he would tolerate eating a sucker! It was a big deal! Literally every moment or stride brings me joy and hope.
8

Timil Jones
To our family autism means compassion and patience. It inspires me to see the uniqueness in all children, even "typical" kids.
9

Johannah Maynard Edwards
Autism means building from our strengths and what brings us joy.
10

Autumn J
Taking family vacations like everyone else.
11

Leah Soderberg
Autism means that moments like these are rare and treasured and completely unforgettable.
12

Megan Kuecher
Autism means looking at the world through a magnificent set of lenses that only he can provide.

by Guest Fri Apr 03, 2015 5:45 am

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/02/photos-that-shatter-autism-stereotypes_n_6969438.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news&ir=Good%20News

by eddie Fri Apr 03, 2015 9:55 am

Autism is still really misunderstood, and also comes under such a wide umbrella that you can "never know everything"

Autism to me, means alway learning something new about the person who has it.

by Guest Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:27 pm

Completely agree Eddie, and autism comes at many levels anyway. My grandaughters boyfriend is very slightly on the autistic spectrum, which means he finds it very difficult to interact with people he doesn't know. However, once he gets to know you he's absolutely lovely and she couldn't have found anyone nicer and more caring about her. (and he's ridiculously good looking bless him).

by Guest Fri Apr 03, 2015 1:09 pm

eddie wrote:Autism is still really misunderstood, and also comes under such a wide umbrella that you can "never know everything"

Autism to me, means alway learning something new about the person who has it.

Agreed Edds, there was a lady on the radio yesterday talking about the fact that autism is not widely understood by most people.
My bosses boss is on the spectrum, he will tell you that himself. He cannot read facial expressions or tone of voice. He finds it incredibly difficult to interact appropriately and sensitively. That said, we get on famously for having the same filthy sense of humour and taste in comedy. I recently ran a pilot project for work and it was very well received by the Chief Constable and the PCC. Bosses boss gave me a hug and everyone was very shocked, none more so than me! Shocked

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26 Gorgeous Photos That Shatter Autism Stereotypes

26 Gorgeous Photos That Shatter Autism Stereotypes

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Re: 26 Gorgeous Photos That Shatter Autism Stereotypes

Re: 26 Gorgeous Photos That Shatter Autism Stereotypes