April 12, 2007 2:39 PM
Loving a child with autism
I hope you all have heard of Frederica Mathewes-Green. She has been one of my writer/heroes for a long time.
She just published a lovely essay on one of her grandchildren who has autism - an essay which speaks not only to the communication barriers posed by this condition, but the canyons that sometimes develop in our "normal" relationships.
Visit Frederica and read Loving a child with autism.
Posted in Disabilities | Permalink
Comments
Thanks for the link - wonderful essay. Best wishes
Posted by: mcewen | April 12, 2007 3:04 PM
That was beautiful. My nephew has severe autism. He does not speak at all, well, maybe hi once in awhile to his mother but nothing else. I lived with my sister in law before I married my husband (her brother) and it was a adventure to try to keep up with my nephew. Unlimited energy, curiosity about climbing and frustration from the language barriers. He could understand us most of the time but he didn't speak so it was hard to figure out what he wanted at times. Most of the times he would just "stem" with a straw. I wish there was more we could have done to bring my nephew out of his little world. I know there is a genius in there, it is just hidden in the depths of the child's soul. My nephew is now 17 and a handful to his mother. I don't know how in the world she does it but she cares for him as best she can. I am printing this article off and sending it to her. I know it will bless her much.
Thanks for the link.
Posted by: Mrs. Damian Garcia | April 12, 2007 3:48 PM
Kudos! A beautiful and much-needed article on the subject.
Posted by: David | April 12, 2007 5:48 PM
oh, it's so much fun to see you link to Frederica! She's one of my writer-heroines. I got to meet her once, which was so cool! (My mom was there too, which made it extra fun, 'cause my mother's the one who introduced me to her work.)
peace of Christ to you,
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica Snell | April 13, 2007 12:59 AM
Thank you for linking to Frederica! I'm on her mailing list and I love her writing. I have several of her books and am very fond of her. I thought this article brought beauty to a tragic situation. I forwarded it to several people in the hopes that it finds its way to a mother who desperately needs hope and a way to see the beauty in her child.
Posted by: Lucy | April 13, 2007 4:44 PM
I really appreciated your linking to the article. My daughter is currently being evaluated and treated for autism with occupational therapy and diet intervention. I didn't so much need to see the beauty in her (I see it every second!!) but I did need to read about the hope! Thank you.
Posted by: Laura | April 13, 2007 7:45 PM
