We’ve seen a lot of Aprils since my son was diagnosed with autism in 2002 — and a lot of conflicting opinions about how best to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and action for Autistic individuals and for their families. I have joined campaigns to celebrate the “ausome” in autism, and to mourn the loss of Autistic children to wandering and drowning. Some years I marched for certain organizations, and in later years spoke out against them. I’ve helped raise money for biomedical research, for inclusion programs, and for private specialized placements. I’ve written letters in support of behavior therapy, and against exclusion and restraint in schools. I’ve decorated with puzzle pieces and ribbons, with blue lights and rainbows, and, in some years, with nothing at all.

For a parent like me, autism advocacy can be a roller coaster. In fact, the more I thought about it, I could see how extending that metaphor could be a playful (and a bit snarky) way to explain a few things, from this mom’s perspective, anyway.

The ways that this disability impacts my son and our family can be quite serious. And, sometimes, I also just need to laugh. If you’re up for it, hop on this ride with me.

Please keep your feet inside the vehicle at all times, but feel free to keep your hands flapping.

This is: If Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month was a Theme Park…

Please go to https://itslikethis.substack.com/p/45-april-adventures for the full transcript!

Audio recording: Sound Effects from Pixabay & Music by Mykhailo Kyryliuk from Pixabay and “It’s a Small World” via the Internet Archive.

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