in a previous life, i was a behavior therapist. i worked with kids who have disabilities, primarily autism. sometimes i taught academics. sometimes i wiped up poop. sometimes i sang songs. i often got my hair pulled, slapped in the face, bit, and peed on. but i also met some of the most amazing people ever. i met parents who would give their world for their kids. i met young siblings with huge hearts who didnt think twice about helping out their 'disabled' brother or sister. and i met kids who had infectious personalities, beautiful smiles, and who were smart and loving in a way i never knew was possible. after four years and even a semester studying OT, i realized that this wasn't what i was going to spend the rest of my life doing. even so, it is a time that i treasure, and still hold close to my heart. we don't get to choose some of the things that life deals us, and these kids fight challenges with unbelievable courage that puts adults to shame.
friday is world autism awareness day. if nothing else, please spend a few minutes educating yourself. education is one way to acceptance, and we all deserve that.
www.autismspeaks.org
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aw...you gave me goosebumps!
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