The greatest lesson I learned that year in Mrs. Henry’s class was the lesson Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. , tried to teach: Never judge people by the color of their skin. God makes each of us unique in ways that go much deeper…Ruby Bridges. These several weeks has been difficult for M. I struggled with talking to M about the changes in our world. How do you talk to a child, who see the glass not as half full or half empty but how it look from underneath? M school was shut down in mid March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This greatly impacted his daily routine. All his therapeutic services came to a complete stop overnight. I did my best to explain to M everyday. “Bus, bus school school”, M asked everyday for awhile. My repetitiveness of “M, no bus or school today” over time was enough for him to understand. We decided to create a fun school enviroment at home for M. I found a large etch-o-sketch, tricycle, sensory swing and trampoline for him to use during gross motor activities. Of course, his therapists and teachers came up with lesson plans for M. However, he was confused seeing his teachers in the computer. He would run back and forth making sounds at the screen. The last day of school, the principal had a drive-by day. We were able to pick-up final report card and other items our child may have left at school. M started crying seeing his teacher and school. Yes, I did talk to M that morning about going to his school. Honestly a part of life is being able to talk, it’s heartbreaking when I see M not understanding or confused. That brings me to the subject of race. Realistically, I can not shield M completely from everything unkind. “Yes, you’re beautiful and you can be awesome with Jehovah”, I tell M everyday. As a mother of a beautiful brown child on the autism spectrum, I do worry. What do people see? Will they have a open-heart? At this time, M do not see race as an issue. He is fascinated by different hues of color. On the other hand, he does notice or react to people actions toward him. He lights up when someone takes the time to talk to him kindly. If everyone talk honest and kind to one another; we’ll find solutions and connections. True, our experiences are completely different. However, seeing the glass from underneath with M; everyone regardless of hue and ability is completely beautiful! ( Acts 10:34-35)
Simply an autism mom having a talk
M's Story 