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Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
October 25, 2024 | By: Leslie Curtis
Categories: Family Support
My son Jac is 22 years old. We’ve dealt with autism for a long time now. Since my son was first diagnosed, there have been many changes around autism. There are different categories and descriptions for it now. There's a lot more awareness of it in the community.
A lot of research has been done about what helps someone with autism as well. The one thing that helped my son the most was Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Others must agree because many insurance companies and Medicaid now cover ABA therapy.
In the last few years, businesses have become more aware of autism and sensory issues. Many now offer earlier times for customers with autism to shop or do other activities. They dim the lights, lower the music and let fewer people in to make things calmer. Big businesses have joined the effort like Walmart, Target, Chuck E. Cheese, movie theaters, amusement parks and many more.
My family recently went to a church service for families of children with disabilities. It was so refreshing to attend as a family. We didn’t have to worry about "the looks" from others when our son happened to talk out loud or ask a question. There were other children like Jac making random noises. Nobody thought a thing about it. It was wonderful.
Over the years, I have been so embarrassed when my son would have an outburst in public. People would stare or say hurtful things loud enough that I could hear them. I went through a time where I wouldn't take him anywhere for fear we’d both lose it. Over the years, taking him out in the world, setting boundaries with him and keeping up with his therapy have improved things!
Overall, I think the public has become more aware and accepting of people with autism. Just remember to look out for those that are a little different. If you see someone spinning, singing or repeating movie scripts to themselves, please be kind — because it just might be my Jac!
Check out Connecting with Other Parents for more tips about raising a child with a disability.
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