We hear you. And we can help!
Below is a short article from themighty.com, a safe, supportive online community for people facing health challenges and the people who care for them.
The article was published in 2014, but the message is timeless. The author is Dr. Kerry Magro, an award-winning professional speaker, best-selling author, CEO of a non-profit he founded, an advocate and consultant, and a Masters graduate from Seton Hall University.
He’s also on the autism spectrum.
For us, Dr. Magro’s words are revealing, challenging, and inspiring – all at the same time. As a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence® and a long-time active member of the autism community, we feel his frustrations. More importantly, we’re committed to continuous improvement in everything we do and join him in challenging our community to do the same.
We hope you enjoy and appreciate the thoughts shared in the article. If there’s anything that we can do for you or do better, please call 972.312.8733 or email info@behaviorexchange.com and let us know. Our wish is to help your child and family reach their full, wonderful potential.
17 Wishes From an Adult With Autism
By Kerry Magro, Ed.D
October 2, 2014
If I had to make a list, this is what I would wish for the autism community based on my experiences as an adult on the autism spectrum.
- I wish acceptance was easier to come by.
- I wish loving one another was always on our minds.
- I wish early diagnosis remains a high priority.
- I wish people would stop calling autism a disease.
- I wish that communication becomes easier for everyone with autism. Know that we’re trying.
- I wish that we find more treatments to enhance the lives of people with autism.
- I wish that insurance for autism will get passed in all 50 states.
- I wish the government would understand the need for services for people with autism in schools.
- I wish individuals with autism can one day live their lives independently.
- I wish I was capable of helping more.
- I wish people would stop using the words “socially awkward” and “retard” in a negative way.
- I wish for more awareness for all with disabilities. Those of us living with a disability are doing our very best.
- I wish for those who are on the spectrum and for those who love someone on the spectrum that you know we’re moving forward every single day.
- I wish all of our voices could be heard.
- I wish everyone will follow the words of one of my favorite performers of all time, Michael Jackson, who sang in his song “Man in the Mirror”: If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.
- I wish you all knew me when I was 4, when I was diagnosed with autism. For a long time I was lost — scared of myself and what I was capable of. I never thought I would be where I am today… but I did it. I graduated from Seton Hall University this past May and will be going to graduate school for Strategic Communications in the fall to boot. So for my final wish:
- I wish for you all to always live life with hope. I wish that your days are filled with hope for a better tomorrow. And for today, no matter how dark life gets sometimes, that you realize you’re never alone. I wish this for you…
I encourage everyone in the autism community to remember that we must come together as a true community to put our best foot forward. I know we all have a lot of wishes out there so let’s avoid distractions and focus on progress so we can all make a difference for our loved ones.
Click here to read the original article.
To learn more about ABA therapy and the difference we make in your child’s life and in yours, schedule an initial consultation today.
This blog post was written by Joe’L Farrar, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA