My Boy: Part 90

AUTISM- What is it?  No, really..what IS it? Why does is vary so? Where did it come from?  Why is it here?  When will it leave? Will it ever leave?  Who does it affect?  How does it affect and/or interfere with everyday life?  Is it a life sentence?  Do you know someone who has autism? Can autism be "cured" or treated? Is autistic a term you use? What are the autism terms and labels?

I can only answer a few of those questions and from my point of view only. As you know, my son JJ, has autism. Yes, he is an ASD child. He is on the autism spectrum. He was first diagnosed with PDD at the age of 3. He is now 6. I do not tend to labels so there is no need for me to always state that my son is high functioning autistic. I just say, when necessary, that my son is on the autism spectrum and just plainly that he is autistic. I mean, does it matter? Really? I have a son. I do not introduce him as my autistic son. Questions? I welcome them. Comments, yes, those too. Productive ones I keep and destructive ones get thrown out. autism has been a part of our lives for a little over three years now, well more than that but we did not know. And, does that matter? Before my son and studying for my undergraduate degree, I did not know what autism was? Yes, was..It is always changing, right? Yes..I remember seeing billboards about autism 1 in 125..then 1 in 88 and son on. What is this autism> One thing I can tell you is that autism is not the end of the world but the beginning of a whole new one. Yes, my son has autism. Autism does not have him. It is his super power. We are focusing on him using it to his advantage. It will not hinder him but we will make sure it does better him. It is not a disease. My son is NOT disabled, he is different abled. His brain is wired differently. He is unique. He is in his own world and I love entering i with love, compassion and patience. I learn from him everyday. It may not be easy at times but it sure is worth it.

JJ is AUSOME. He is a child. He loves to play, watch TV, read and all that good stuff. He loves school. He loves snacks. He can be crabby. He can be stubborn. But he is worth it. He matters. Social skills are an everyday learning experience for all of us. He just needs a little extra help in the right direction.



Now, would you know if you saw him?

Thinking of you, Avonte...

I get to hug and kiss my son before he goes to sleep tonight. I am blessed beyond words. I can not begin to imagine the horrible pain that Avonte's parents are going through now and ever since he went missing on October 4th, 2013. It is sad and truly heartbreaking to say the least. Not knowing the whereabouts of your son for months. Days and nights searching everywhere. This is a very tragic story. They are very strong parents because I do not know how I would have held it togethjer especially after the news of remains being found and waiting for DNA testing. I did not personally know Avonte but it hits home because my son has autism too.Avonte was unable to speak. I am so blessed that my son can speak. I though waiting almost 4 years was a long time to hear him talk. Anyways...

I have written a few blogs about Avonte in the past in hopes of someone reading and noticing to pass on the information to bring the boy safely home to his family. I have always prayed for him and his family. He has always been on my mind. When I read the news the other day, my heart just ached. I did not want to believe it. I do not want to imagine anyone harming a child especially a child with severe autism that is unable to speak. The thought is horrifying. Children are innocent. As we wait to find out the DNA results, I pray for his family and if it was Avonte that was found, I pray that he did not suffer. I can not imagine. Not at all. As a mom with a son who has autism. I do not want to. I can not help but be affected by this. No parent should have to go through this. Never. Ever.

This was something that could have and SHOULD HAVE been prevented. So many questions..I beleive the school has a lot of explaining to do. It can never bring a child back but they fall on total lack of responsibility. How do you let a child LEAVE the school ALONE, UNATTENDED? How is a child who has severe autism left alone when he is supposed to have care in school and a teacher with him at all time? What was up with those cameras? Really!!?? We all see this baby leaving the school..why??? Why wasn't he stopped? Why was he left alone?  Ugh!!! God bless Avonte and give his parents strength during this unimaginable time or heartache and pain.

We send our children to school to be taken care of by professional and dedicated people who have the child's best interests and well being in mind. What has happened here? Why has the system failed this family? I want to know and have a desire to know as a mommy, as a teacher and as a concerned human. These kind of things do not just happen and this is NOT just a mistake that can be brushed off. Yes we are all human and we are wired for being imperfect but this is totally unjust. A school, in New York..and no one, not a soul was there to see this boy leave out the door? What a shame.

Parents, hug and kiss your children tonight and tell them how much you love them.

As a teacher, other people's worlds are in my hands and care and I promise to love them as my own and protect them from harm. I will be there for them, never to leave them alone. I would want and DO want teachers and therapists to do this for my son and I believe they do. I am blessed to have  a great team supporting my son and his journey.

Avonte, God bless you. I have never met you but I just know you are Awesome. Peace. Love. Awareness. You have touched the lives of many. You did not have to speak, your eyes said it all. Peace and love to your family- especially mommy and daddy. We are all hoping for a safe return home. And, if your home coming has already passed and you are with Our Heavenly Father, please protect and watch over your family sweet angel. But still, there is Hope. Love Wins Always.

This Could Be My Boy- Please Pray for Avonte

This is truly sad and heartbreaking. It hurts as a mom. It just hurts. And the waiting and everything. It is horrible. Prayers and love sent out to his mom, dad and family. I can not begin to imagine. By the way, the story is ongoing.. praying for peace and God's love. It is very much needed. It akes me very angry. Of course, i hope t i snot Avonte, never. It is so sad because as of yet, we do not know but there are very strong links. This was someone's child...so sad.

This Could be My Boy: Part 4

I still can not believe this child is missing. How can something like this happen? This could be my boy...Never give up hope. Please help in anyway you can. Like I have said before, I do not know Avonte or his family personally, but this could easily be my boy.

This is the updated flyer. This child could be anywhere. How are you going to help? What if this was your child? This is the link to the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Avonte-Home/414437158656906

It is very cold outside. I know if he was outdoors, someone had to have seen him, they have to had help in some way. This world still has good people in it so please if you have him or think you may have seen him, Call the police!!! This child can not speak but he needs to be with his family as our children need to be with us!! Do whatever you can to help. This could be my boy.

This Could be My Boy: Part 3

This child is still missing. Please help out and share. We all need to get together and show support. This could be my son and it could also be yours. I can not begin to imagine what the family is going through.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Avonte-Home/414437158656906

Look at this precious face. Help bring him home where he belongs. He can not tell you what he needs but I know, if he was my son, what he needs.

This is really close to home. I have an autistic son who needs to be supervised at all time  in school just like Avonte. Please, we can not let this happen. All children need to be watch carefully. This could be my son. I pray that he has a safe return home and that he is safe, wherever he may be. Please be on the look out. I pray that Aonte gets home.

Remember he does not talk but that does not mean he is less. If you see him, call the police. Please care for him until his family arrives. If that was my son I would want you to do the same.

 

 

This Could be My Boy..

Please help find this child. I personally do not know this boy but he could easily be mine. He went missing from school. how could they let this happen? This could be my boy. He has autism as does my boy. He is non verbal as my boy was. Please let's help find him. He must be scared. He can not ask for help. He can not tell you he is hurting or lost. He is innocent and needs to be home with his family. The following is the link to the Facebook support page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Avonte-Home/414437158656906. Please share and post anywhere you can. Like I have said, I do not know this boy personally but he could easily be my boy. Please help bring him home safe and sound. It is cold and he could be hungry but he is unable to tell you. He needs his mommy as does my son. I thank God I have my son here but the precious boy that is missing could easily be my boy and not only because he is autistic too but because he is innocent and in need of guidance. He could be anywhere wandering so please let us work together to bring this baby home to his family. I know I need my son with me so I can not begin to imagine what this family is going through. I am just trying to help and I feel I need to help because this could easily be my boy. Look at this precious face..I bet if he could ask for help, he would. We are all here on this earth to help one another. Let us bring this child to safety and home where he belongs. Please take a good look at the picture...He has something special with him and he also has his super ability -Autism and can not verbally tell you his wants or needs but this could easily be my boy..Praying for a safe return home.