Hi Dezimom, I used to wonder the same thing. I've come to learn that there is a lack of knowledge about ASD in our community. Growing up, we didn't hear about children with ASD. I think in the 80's kids were diagnosed with ADD or ADHD more back then. So not only was ASD not popular, treatment for it was not known either. I think if it had not been for orgs like Autism Speaks, kids with ASD would still not be heard.

I had someone tell me at church once, "you must be sparing the rod". I couldn't blame the lady for saying it because in our culture, we spank kids that are acting out of control. But it just shows how unaware our culture really is when it comes to ASD and that lady had no idea what it took for us to get to church that day.

I agree with you & MyZettel in regards to exposing our kids to social situations. I remember isolating myself from my peers because they didn't understand how my Douglas was different from their kids or why I'm over protective of him. Now that Douglas is more verbal and I can tell when he's uncomfortable or over stimulated, I can deal with it a little better.

Absolutely! I am proud of all my kids, but especially Dezi. Because its hard enough to adjust & thrive in sociey for a "normal" functioning kids. So we should realize and show our admiration for our kids who work hard to function inspite of their disabilities.

@A MyAutismTeam Member, what State do you live in? I was talking to a friend about this topic and how many African Americans do not even come out to events to bring autism awareness. My daughters first balloon launch mostly family and friends and we advertised and promoted the event and the people who came out and got involved to get it up and off the ground where not African Americans and I never really understood that when looking at so much is going on to bring awareness which starts with the parent(s). Then again so many have no ideal there are community events and info resources. Many African American families I have spoke with are shocked when I share information that will help their child/children. I think many are in denial and that is the worst because that only causes abuse in all levels. We have to "speak" for our kids 1st starting with helping and not hindering and denial will only cause the latter. Thanks again for sharing.

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A MyAutis...

It's funny when I read this because when people would see me without my daughter it would so funny to hear them go on about we NEVER see you with your daughter. But yeah many people keep their kids in due to how people re-act when the kids have meltdowns. Parents once they learn how to deal with people like that who stare and act like they have not seen a meltdown before keep in mind some have truly have never seen it before. What use to work for me when I would see people staring at my daughter I would go up and ask them don't hold it in or try to figure out what is wrong with her just let me take a moment and explain too you about autism. Many parents including myself would be on fire and want to go on the defense really quick and end up leaving but that wasn't fair to my daughter she had a right to be there also. Awareness is key and acceptance is 1st and to accept there are people in the world who do not understand also people who could careless but the ones who want to know are just afraid to ask because they have no ideal how a parent is going to react. Keep being the great mom you are and spread awareness then comes change! One Love

I totally agree that education is the key to stamp-out ignorance and promote understanding and tolerance. I am learning new things everyday from parents, sites like this one and especially from Dezi. Glad to know another black family proud of our special needs kids.