Living More Deliberately

As many of you know, April has been designated “Autism Awareness Month,” or perhaps even better, “Autism Acceptance Month.” Personally, I have seen and experienced many reasons to not just be aware of autism, or to accept it, but to celebrate the people who have this diagnosis. There are many ways that a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) causes people to “live more deliberately.” Here are just a few examples:

- In choosing gifts for an individual with ASD, parents, grandparents, and siblings often validate a special interest, or select a gift that will encourage valuable strengths or address challenges rather than following the latest fad or craze of age peers.

- With a child with ASD in the classroom, teachers look for new ways to teach and to manage classroom dynamics, rather than relying on past techniques and experiences.

- Individuals with ASD try to observe others and ask questions in order to understand the world around them and to participate in it successfully.

- Siblings, parents, grandparents, spouses, teachers, therapists, and colleagues attempt to avoid sarcasm, dual meanings, and implied communication, focusing instead on communicating in a direct and meaningful way.

- Parents may examine their family's diet, considering how foods possibly contribute to autistic behaviors.

- Caregivers structure schedules and outings to promote success for children and young adults with ASD.

- People use the Social Response Pyramid™ and other resources to provide necessary social information for individuals with ASD.

How about you? Has being involved with individuals with ASD (or having been diagnosed yourself) caused you to live more deliberately? I'd love to hear your examples!  

Best wishes as you promote success--your own and that of others--through deliberate living!