A few days ago I posed the question on my Facebook page, “What (autism related) are you thankful for this year?”
I purposely left it at that, to see where people would go with the question. And before reading any of the answers, I typed up what I’m thankful for this year, as related to autism…
I’m thankful for Dylan. I’m thankful for his sweet voice, his smile, his kisses, and his laugh. I’m thankful for his little face, his curly hair, and his millions of freckles. I’m thankful for all of his words. I’m thankful for how smart he is; for his ability to understand, and his ability to communicate. I’m thankful for his doctors, teachers, and therapists (past, present and future). I’m thankful for how much he motivates me. I’m thankful for the the love he gives me, and for the love he inspires me to give to others. I’m so thankful for my littlest brother, Dylan.
I’m also thankful for my job, and for all my clients. I’m thankful for the sweet memories I’ve made with the kids I’ve worked with, and for the ability to make a difference in their lives. I’m thankful for getting to do something I genuinely love for a living.
Here’s what some of my Facebook followers are thankful for this year….
My son’s new school placement. He’s not only thriving, he’s exceeding my expectations.- Patricia Young Living Essential Oils!!- Katie Our ABA therapist. She not only cares about my son’s development, but our entire family’s well-being. I am so thankful for everything she does. – Deanna That I was able to obtain a private placement for my son. He achieved more in his first 6 weeks than he did in 2 years in his “award winning special education program” in our district! I am so proud of him!- Jamie Our boys’ new school has been a breath of fresh air, our boys are able to be themselves and are more confident, as parents we could not be happier and thankful when we see our boys smiling and happy to attend school instead of being fearful.- JodieMy son’s hugs and kisses. -Sonya
Where do I begin? Progress is always great, fantastic siblings, innocence and lack of superficial nonsense ( I can look perfectly dreadful at any time and he’s the one person who would not feel a need to comment!), a super duper smile that lights up a room, and big hugs from a very big boy…. To name a few!- Bloom and Grow LLC
My son’s teacher who raised money to buy him an ipad without our knowledge and then surprised us with it. It was a huge blessing for my son with Autism who’s non-verbal.- Single Mothers who have Children with Autism
My son is the most honest person I have ever known. I don’t think he could ever tell a lie, in fact he gets very upset when other people do.- Hollie
I’m thankful for progress. When I look at my kids 4 years ago and then look at them today, I can’t believe they are the same people. Thankful to everyone who helped them to date, those that are yet to come and for the two of them for being the special people who they are.- Ilene
Thankful that my brother’s have improved so much. – Erika
My son’s voice/giggles being able to stop. Room full of people- Spinning cars and flying horses autism bipolar adventure
I’m thankful for progress. I look at my pictures (literal and figurative) of my children now and 4.5 years ago when they were diagnosed. I see so much progress in them both. These changes are due to the teams of people who have worked with both of them as well as research that has given everyone new ideas. ABA has given me my daughter who was trapped in her body for such a long time. And my son was able to find his style through patience and music.- We Care About Someone With Autism
I’m most thankful for Autism itself. While yes, the heartbreaks and roller coaster rides that go along with this diagnosis can be enough to break even the strongest of people, it’s caused me to stop and be thankful for all the little things. The autism hugs, the autism kisses – I love every part of it, as it’s what makes my son, exactly who he is. – Jennifer
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
theautismonion.com 
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