I have a little secret to share: I really don’t care about the causes of autism. Not even a smidge.
The reasons behind my child’s autism? Not my concern. I’m not looking for someone to blame or for any sense of “closure.” What I truly need is a nap, not an exhaustive explanation of the complexities surrounding autism. As Bob Seger would say, I’ve “turned the page.”
Why This Perspective?
Why this seemingly self-centered perspective, you might ask? Well, it’s simple: survival mode. With so much on my plate, I’ll leave the scientific inquiries to the experts. Those researchers won’t be the ones to help me tackle my laundry or empty the dishwasher, so I’ll let them do their thing while I hunt for new slow-cooker recipes on Google.
For Families Just Starting Their Journey
And what about families just starting their journey with autism? I understand where you’re coming from. I’ve met several families who have joined the ranks of Club Spectrum. It’s tough to watch those you care about face this reality, and let’s be honest—there’s no Hallmark card for the occasion. However, I can’t take that on myself. I prefer to keep my focus on what I need to do for my child. While I’m all for supporting others and sharing helpful tips, I firmly believe it’s healthier for any parent’s mindset to spend time chatting about last night’s game or the latest season of a show like Boardwalk Empire, rather than delving into medical research. Sometimes, we just need to switch off the “All autism, all the time” mindset because, frankly, my brain needs a break.
Growing Up Fast
My son is now ten years old, and I have bigger fish to fry. We are rapidly approaching the transition to middle school, and I recently noticed some hair sprouting in new places—he’s already developing that teenage boy scent by the end of the day! Puberty is on the horizon, and the thought of figuring out how to shave his face is enough to make me want to hide. I can hardly get him to trim his toenails without sneaking it in while he sleeps. Is it feasible to shave him while he’s snoozing?
He can still barely write his name. Do you really expect me to sift through countless articles and blogs about what might have caused his autism? That’s just not happening. He’s growing up fast, and I have enough to juggle without adding that to my plate. Honestly, I can’t even remember to take something out for dinner, let alone wade through a sea of research on autism. My family can’t survive on research alone.
Finding Freedom
If you’re still grappling with the question of what caused your child’s autism, I empathize. I simply decided to close the door on that topic, and I’ve found a lot more happiness in doing so.
Despite the routines and schedules that dominate our lives, this choice has brought a sense of freedom as well. I’m not suggesting that everyone should adopt my approach or think the way I do. As we say in Jersey, “You do you.” Just consider redirecting your energy away from this one issue—you might find it liberating.
Further Reading
For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post on the intricacies of parenting and good mental health practices. And if you’re looking for authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. If you’re curious about pregnancy, the World Health Organization offers fantastic resources.
Summary
In this piece, the author shares a candid perspective on autism, emphasizing the importance of focusing on daily life and responsibilities rather than getting caught up in the search for causes. Though sympathetic to families facing autism, the author chooses to prioritize what’s necessary for her child over scientific inquiries. The message is clear: sometimes, it’s healthier to redirect your energy away from overwhelming concerns and embrace the present.