April is Autism Awareness month. Many people, organizations, schools and other places raise awareness for Autism through fundraisers, national foundation walks, school functions, etc.
What is Autism? Autism is a disorder that affects social, verbal, and non-verbal interactions and causes certain repetitive and limited behaviors. The first two years of a child’s life are when signs of Autism can develop. It was estimated that Autism affects 21.7 million people world-wide. Factors that lead to the cause of Autism can be genetic or environmental, which is still questioned by many researchers. There are therapies like speech, occupational, physical and behavioral modification programs that help children with autism reach their goals.
I first found out about behavioral therapy back when I was in undergrad. I was interested in working with children with Autism and my friend told me about my current job. Since training here, my patience has grown more and more each and every day. There are times I cry when I see them say their first word or learn new abilities. I always rely on my children to make me smile when I am in a bad mood. My heart grows warmer every day knowing that I just taught my child how to wave, or even how to make eye contact with me.
Children with Autism get frustrated when they don’t know how to do something. In order for the children to do or learn something, we have to either teach them or show them. When they come into the classroom, I start the day with a hug to show the child how much I love them unconditionally. Even though I teach my children to achieve goals and skills, they also teach me. They've taught me love, compassion and patience. I’ve always considered myself a family-oriented person, and I melt inside whenever one of the children in my everyday life, outside of work does something cute. It’s always a good moment, but it’s different than when you’re part of a team working every day with a little boy who finally says “hi ”, and I am very happy to be apart of it. I can write about my previous jobs and tell you how unfulfilling they were. But instead, I'll just say that I’m now part of a global community, that is working to improve the lives of many children on every corner of the planet. And, that reason alone is all I'll ever need to love my job, and any job in this field.
Autism doesn’t have a certain look to it. It is both diverse and different. Some of the smartest people have autism. Even artists, actors, and writers have this disorder. People who work with children with autism and parents with children with autism can tell you it is a struggle. But it instills empathy and acceptance dealing with these individuals. It is truly a great experience and it teaches me something every day. Working with children with autism, it is my duty to enhance an individual’s progression. When I see a child progress, I get this warm feeling inside that is indescribable. It gives me a certain feeling that makes me happy each day. While it can be difficult to teach these children, it is still a fulfilling opportunity that I am glad I have chosen.