TODAY IS WORLD AUTISM DAY (APRIL 2ND) (2015) – One of the best gifts you can give a Child or Adult with Autism is time
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Today is the United Nations recognized World Autism Day https://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/Â A day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
In 2013 when I was 24 years old I wrote a post about patience. And a thank you to everyone in my life who has been patient. This year, at age 26 here in 2015 I am going to write about time. Other than Patience one of the best gifts you can give a Child or Adult with Autism is time.
I would really like to thank everyone in my life who has gifted me time. Time unlike patience, requires someone to actually get to know you. It is one of the most precious things we as people have, more valuable than money and objects. I know that gifting me time for some people can be so hard… even scary. They have to deal with contradictions, confusion, my anxiety… even seeing me hit my head. I appreciate… and feel so privileged to those who give me their time.
I would especially like to thank my care workers, support workers, counsellors, psychiatrists, specialist and social worker, the ones who treat knowing me as more than a job… To the pharmacy lady who remembers my name and what my usual medications are so I don’t get asked a million questions and get overwhelmed. To people I meet over the computer who go out of their to message me. And especially to those who I know in person,  the ones who make time to see me… let me spend time with their children and who give me a chance at socializing and enjoying life.
Time is one of those things you can never get back once its given. And for people like me, ones with Autism… Sometimes in the world of care and support we live in, we can be neglected for time. People forget sometimes we just want someone to talk to about our favourite subject. People to play with, listen, giggle and laugh with… and especially just “be” with. Sometimes it can be hard for us to show our appreciate for this gift… but please know and believe its felt despite whatever limitations we may face caused by Autism.
If you are one of those people in my life, who has made time for me. Thank you so very much. Without you all the life I am living now… one of independence… Well it would not be possible.
Love Matty Angel
About The Author
Matty is a 36 year old girl who is an Autistic Poet, Writer and Artist and lives alone in Christchurch New Zealand with a kitty! Matty has given many talks on autism and about being unique in a world that's often not accepting, Matty has also engaged with artist and worked on Art projects Matty usually works on an Art project at the same time as a writing one! This means posts can be a bit delayed!
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6 Responses and Counting...
as always interesting and well and well written Matty. have a nice World Autism Day!
*hugs* I wish I had more time to give you lately. :C Still think about you and care about you. <3
Hi Matty, I saw an interesting article in this months Australian Woman’s Weekly on autism which reminded me of you. I hope you are well and happy!
hugs 🙂 I’m glad you’re in my life, sweety.
I enjoyed reading this very much, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this Matty. I too would like to say a “thank you” to you – for your friendship and your kindness and generosity of spirit – and for letting me embrace my inner child too. It is a pleasure to know you and an honour to regard you as my friend.
Many hugs and love
Angela