After breakfast in the orphanage dining hall, Diego, a child diagnosed with autism, came to my table. He was holding 3 books that he personally chose. Without speaking but hugely grinning, he placed one of the books in front of me. How could I resist this invitation?
I clumsily read the words upside down, as Diego dominated the book. His face, hovering inches over the pages, laughed as only an autistic child can. He turned the pages of the book quickly,
bursting with sounds of joy. Diego delighted in this moment. When children at other tables get loud and noisy, Diego puts his finger to his lips as if to say "pipe down everyone, I'm listening to my story." When another child comes up behind Diego and disturbs him, Diego impulsively pushes him back with tremendous angst and emotion. Then he returns, full attention, to his story time.
Then something happens that opens my eyes to this miracle happening. Because honestly, I was not grasping yet the miraculous privilege of delighting in an autistic child's moment of happiness. Another special needs child bolts from his table and runs over to get books read to him too. Pure joy and emotion. The two youngsters hover together, listening and delighting in the children's stories. Umm....what did I do to deserve this brief miracle moment with two of God's angels?
How Much Do You Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder?
(Questions gleaned from Ephrata Community Hospital in Pennsylvania)
1. Which one of the following is true about autism spectrum disorder?
a. It's the fastest growing developmental disability
b. Boys have almost 5 times the risk as girls
c. It affects as many as 1 in 88 American children
d. All of the above
2. Which of these symptoms may be seen in autistic children?
a. Obsession with objects, subjects, and routines
b. Repetitive language
c. Difficulty making friends
d. All of the above
3. How is autism spectrum disorder diagnosed?
a. Blood test
b. MRI
c. Observation of symptoms
d. IQ test
4. Which of these are treatments for autism?
a. Behavioral and educational interventions
b. Early intervention to improve symptoms and functioning
c. Medications for mood and thoughts
d. All of the above
These are good questions to consider, but in my book, that's not the real Autism Test. The real Autism Test is a daily test of your love, patience and commitment.
Trying to get these heavenly children to conform to earth's standards can be draining. Special needs children will stretch you emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. They have a gift of finding their caregivers weak spots. That is one of their gifts to you - brokenness. If you don't live in love, forgiveness, heavenly strength and healing relationships - you will go over the edge. You will need God's unending patience, unconditional love, and undying commitment.
Let me tell you where I witnessed a profound love this week.
I was invited to share a meal at an orphanage home. This particular home gives care to 15 girls - and 1 autistic child. The child clung to the daddy of the house. He insisted on sitting on his daddy's lap. He insisted on eating his daddy's food. He insisted on touching his daddy's face, obsessively. He wiggled and squirmed and hardly stopped moving. The daddy's reaction? Love. Patience. Kindness. Father grins knowingly and calmly as the boy hovers.
I was watching God's patience and love in action.
But could he commit long term? The daddy walked me over to a picture of his biological family hanging on the wall - a very large family. In the center of this picture was the daddy of the family, and in front of him was the autistic child. Come to find out that the child is not a biological son. He is adopted into their family. He is permanent. The daddy committed his life to raise this special needs child as his own son.
Patience
Love
Commitment
May God fill us with his patience, love and commitment.
Please consider sharing this blog to encourage other parents to persevere in love.
Please consider sharing this blog to encourage other parents to persevere in love.
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Thanks, Drew for touching our hearts with deep love and care given to children who need to know they are loved. We appreciate what you are doing. Love, the Groffs
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