Choosing to laugh instead….
When we live Autism, somethings which seem odd generally, become a part of our daily life…You stop thinking ‘why’ and ‘why not’ and choose to laugh instead!
Way back in 2005, my husband took our daughter to one of the malls and went up and down the escalator for practice and to break the fear. She got the hang of it within a month but till date she waits for a good 30 seconds before stepping on the escalator. We family stand behind her in a queue, giving way to the others! She probably makes sure that it is functioning well and is safe!!!
She is extremely careful on wet ground and slippery floors! Once in Mega mall we had to climb the stairs which looked shiny and slippery….I explained to her about the precautions to take while holding the railing! She walked up smartly, slowly and carefully …. I followed her….half way through I slipped and fell. She had reached the top by then, looking at me sitting on the step helplessly…totally shocked, she froze!!! She probably wanted to ask me why I could not follow the instructions myself!!!
Wondering what is taking her so long in the bath…. as I ask, she moves the shower curtain and peeps out slowly! It could be either a strand of hair stuck to her finger and she cannot figure out how to get rid of it! Or it could be a small piece of soap stuck to the drain that she is trying to flush away! I tell her, “dont be funny” and “don’t worry”!
I have realised and learnt that this kind of little things do bother people in the spectrum. The sooner we observe, identify and accept their discomfort, sooner we are able to help them by suggesting solution and by pacifying them. These discomforts can take different forms, may come and go, or increase and decrease. We need to understand….and accept!
Visiting the mall, looking around and picking a snack is the favorite outing for my daughter! I have been used to glares and stares, mainly because of her appearance and the way she walks. But when people laugh at her, often I found ways to send a message to these ignorant people…. to be sensitive and kind. At times, I have spoken to them, explained why she looks different and how it hurts when you laugh at others!
There have been times, when I am too tired, I tell my daughter to look at such people….3, 2, 1…and we both laugh together!
Times are changing, I am noticing awareness in people….they are acquiring knowledge through movies, serials and internet….still a long way to go! Safety is a huge concern….
I still hope and pray for a better tomorrow when she here and I may not be around!!!!
There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.
Orison Swett Marden
Nivedita's Blogs 
Rightly said, Nivedita! Having a sense of humour is one of the best ways to see through challenging situations. Not everyone has the gift to do so! You are one of those who do, and you are blessed.
Yes, there is a lot of awareness today, but its still an uphill….one can only hope for a better tomorrow, and your blogs definitely pave the way for that!
God bless…keep writing, keep inspiring lesser mortals like me!
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