AUTISM:  IT’S ALL HOW YOU LOOK AT IT

 

I have discovered many things through my years of ‘hands on’ autistic behavior. One, I believe, is that the Lord has allowed this condition for a very specific reason. His purpose and plan for each of us is designed in ways that we may never understand. We aren’t allowed to choose the plan He has for us, nor its outcome. We can only believe, (as His children), that God’s love for us is sufficient throughout the journey. We can follow the desires of our heart for only so long before we are redirected… unless of course it is in His perfect will that we remain.

I did not choose autism to be part of my life, however, it is. Nor do I believe that those dealing with the issues arising from its results choose it as well. Instead, I have allowed it to teach me. If God has not guided us in finding a cure, (then maybe through His eyes), there is a logical reason why we haven’t. Perhaps it is not for our human instinct to ‘fix’ this, but to grow from it. Some of my son’s most favorite sayings are far deeper than those of a scholar. One of which he quotes, “It’s all how you look at it Mom”. This in itself brings more to the table than we can begin to imagine. If you truly ponder on its meaning, you will notice that it applies to everything we see around us….not just autism. Thinking outside the box has to be good. God never created a single thing in this world that wasn’t perfect in His eyes. We are called to love all His creations. That should apply whether it fits into this world’s mold or not.

So where am I going with this? Well, maybe the answers we so desperately seek aren’t that far away. Maybe….we should focus on correcting our vision, instead of what the world defines as an illness. Perhaps autism isn’t the problem, but our perception is. Chances are, (if the world thinks your disorder is unworthy), then I am convinced that it is. I will fix my mind on the things that are pure, true, lovely, and honorable. And I will fight for the things that are righteous. These are the things that please the Lord. In Philippians 4:8, we are told to think about these things. We are reminded that they are excellent and worthy of praise.

So, when addressing your ‘autistic issues’, try to look outside the box for solutions. When anger and compulsive behavior arise in any individual, their focus must be redirected in a calm and peaceful manner. Every individual is unique… regardless of what label the world attaches to them. Therefore, different things work for different people. Proper outlets have to be discovered in the right manner when addressing these needs. And love has to be the foundation in all your attempts. If we work together, as a loving society, we can understand each other better. By accepting the differences we have, we can heal, mend, and make the necessary adjustments in our lives to co-exist peacefully.

 It really is ‘all how you look at it’.