When I used to work with kids with autism and their families, something that really stood out for me was how misunderstood they were. I mean, long before I knew anyone with disabilities, I would sometimes see someone acting out strangely and either be appalled or scared of them. What makes autism particularly difficult for others to understand is that individuals with autism looks exactly like anyone else. But, they may act very differently. Or, they may act only a "little bit" different, but their quirks may stand out enough that they are misjudged by whoever they meet.
The little kids I worked with stole my heart. I was grateful that I got to know them as a newlywed, before having children of my own, because they taught me so much about stopping to look at the world from the eyes of another. I can confidently say that I am the mother I am today because of those precious little ones.
Something I've struggled with a lot is the fact that my impact is so small. There is only so much you can do to open people's hearts and minds, you know? I wish I could do more to help people to see how important people with disabilities and other special needs are in the heart of the Church. But I'm only one person, and the impact of one person can be hopelessly small.
Unless you're the Pope, which is why his recent talk to families touched by autism had me standing up and cheering:
Everyone should be committed to promoting acceptance, encounter and solidarity through concrete support and by encouraging renewed hope. In this way we can contribute to breaking down the isolation and, in many cases, the stigma burdening people with autism spectrum disorders, and just as often their families.
This must not be an anonymous or impersonal accompaniment, but one of listening to the profound needs that arise from the depths of a pathology which, all too often, struggles to be properly diagnosed and accepted without shame or withdrawing into solitude, especially for families. It is a Cross.
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