I’m not sure whether you were aware but yesterday was Autism Awareness Day. I have a wonderful daughter with Autism and have a few friends who also have been diagnosed later in life.

Here’s a short summary of what it means to have Autism or be Neuro Diverse (ND). There is a wide spectrum of need and so there will be some ND’s who function on a day to day basis, whom you wouldn’t know are struggling to some who are non-verbal and everything in between.

Everyone’s brains are wired differently, someone with Autism has some connections missing or rerouted. Often those without Autism are referred to as Neuro-typical (NT), this helps as we are not calling Autism a disability but instead a difference in brain chemistry, or Neuro Diversity. ND’s are often among the most intelligent people in the world. Think of Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Temple Grandin, Emily Dickerson and Albert Einstein to name just a few!

For our family having a child with Autism has enriched us. As is common for girls and women with Autism it has been a battle to get a diagnosis and an EHCP (I’m sure I’ll blog about our journey at some point!). But we know the fight was worth it as our daughter is now in a school that will cater to her needs and give her an education tailored to her. It was a shock to hear certain secondary schools in the area admit to not wanting to take her with her needs. As a society we need to do better.

There’s so much I could say about those with Autism and my admiration for them. To know how much they have to cope with on a daily basis to fit in with us NT’s. Wouldn’t it be interesting if instead of them fighting so hard to fit in with us, we worked harder to make life easier for ND’s.

I’d love to hear about your experience with Autism and answer any questions you may have.