#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf

I've had a Twitter account for a few years.  Almost all of the posts are ed tech related and are automatically posted from my work blog and Delicious accounts.  But, I read a post this past weekend about a new hashtag that is making the rounds on Twitter and I've been mesmerized by it ever since.  So much so, that I found myself creating a separate "personal" Twitter account so I could join the conversation.

The hashtag I'm captivated by is #YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf

There are tons of tweets being shared that give a glimmer of the life as an autism parent.  You can get a taste of what life is like for us.  For our children.  For the siblings.  I'm reading these tweets, from parents young and old (and those who have aged twice as fast since the day of diagnosis...), from those who are new to the journey and from those who are seasoned veterans.  From those whose days are filled with exhaustion and isolation and fear to those who have put the scratchy cloak in the closet and only try it on during rare occasions.

It's like some of these parents are reading my mind.  Typing the words for me.  Then there are others whose words don't match our family's journey, but somehow, they are still kindred spirits.  Instant friends in 140 characters or less.  I find myself craving to read more.  I want to read the stories of other parents- get a glimpse of their days.  I want to hear about the lives of their autistic children, and of the siblings who are... well, absolute rockstars.  In abbreviations and hashtags and retweets and carefully selected words, parents are offering snapshots of life, and I'm soaking up every word.

Even if you don't have a Twitter account- even if you don't know a tweet from a hashtag- even if your daily life doesn't include the word "autism,"  I beg you:  please take a moment and read.  Read the thoughts and fears and hopes of autism parents.  Hear the pleas from those who long to connect with someone who understands, and listen to those who have managed to squelch the pain and frustration, at least for a moment, with a smile and a laugh.

Autism parents.  We are not an elite group.  We want to share our stories with the world.  We want everyone to see our children, their siblings, our families- us - for exactly who we are.  The truth is, we don't have the time or energy to fake it, anyway.  So, take a look.  You'll see our faults, fears, faith, passions, advocacy, tears, laughter, and love.  All in 140 characters or less.



Here are my #YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf tweets, so far (@donnacmurray):

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf the only part of the play kitchen your child actually plays with are the buttons on the microwave. #sensoryjoy

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you just watched the Hershey's Kisses Christmas bells commercial on YouTube 20 times in a row. #whew

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf last night's sleep plus three naps today still only equals 5.5 hours of rest. #needsmoresleep

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you want to hug every kinder in the inclusion classroom bc they love your girl for exactly who she is.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you're glad the poop-in-the-tub and splash-in-the-toilet phase has seemingly ended. #dontchacomebacknomore

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you may not have milk and bread in the house, but the sleep-medication bottle is never empty. #WorthWtInGold

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you know to give your child multiple crackers/cookies b/c she has to eat the one on the bottom first.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you understand there is a fine line between sensory stimulation and sensory over-stimulation. #dontcrosstheline

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf her favorite TV shows must be avoided b/c they stimulate her too much and cause meltdowns...

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you've left the house once in the last five days b/c venturing out is just not worth her anxiety (or yours)

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you wish you could function on no sleep so you could actually get stuff done while up w/ ASD child all night

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf many people in your "quality world" are folks you only know through blog posts, tweets, and emails

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf your child can't tell you she's hungry, but she could recite most of the alphabet BACKWARDS at the age of 3

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you pray some "phases" are short-lived, but that others (like saying "mama") will one day come back for good.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf the phrase "sleep pattern" is an oxymoron.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf your child can "sing" to the tune of any song, but if she wants something, she takes your hand to point at it.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you wonder how God will use an autistic sister to shape the life of her big brother and bring glory to Him.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you have learned to run fast at the first sound of headbanging, all so she doesn't have to wear a helmet 24/7.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf you know to pack the hundreds of flashcards whenever you leave the house because sometimes she has to stim.

#YouMightBeAnAutismParentIf your daughter gets a cookie every morning for breakfast because she actually says the word "cookie."