People with autism have a unique perspective

People with autism have a unique perspective

It's a beautiful day and we're on the beach. The air is full of laughter and joy. I smile as I see my 4-year-old daughter building sandcastles with her cousin. I turn to my son and my heart feels heavy. He is unaware of his surroundings and is constantly sifting the sand through his fingers. He observes how the particles scatter as they fall.

We are at the clothing store and my daughter is excited. At 6 years old, she likes to match her clothes. She happily goes from rack to rack wanting to buy shirts, skirts and socks. Your participation is wonderful to see. My fear increases as I hold onto my son's hand. He doesn't care about what he's wearing and doesn't know how to fit in, cries and constantly tries to hide between the clothes racks.

At home I relax on the sofa. My 7-year-old daughter suddenly runs up to me and hugs me lovingly. “Mom, I love you so much?” she explains with a big smile. It's a bittersweet moment because out of the corner of my eye I see my son staring at his fingers as he runs them through the air.

As I walk through the museum, my 8-year-old daughter is impressed. She is happy to discuss each piece with us, ask questions and give her opinions. My son walks by my side, staring blankly at each piece. My heart is broken. He doesn't comment and I wonder if he understands where we are.

Years pass and my children grow and mature

It's the perfect evening for a stroll on the beach. As we settle down on the sand to watch the sunset, my 15-year-old daughter complains of boredom. With a sigh, I turn to my son and am immediately caught up in his joy. He enjoys every moment as if it were his first time, watching the sky change color as the sun sets.

On a tour of a famous art museum, my 14-year-old daughter is not happy. She refuses to look at the displays and keeps asking when we want to leave. I look at my son and he smiles at me delightedly. My heart fills with pride as I see him carefully studying the artwork and paintings on the wall.

While I'm at the food court in the mall, I notice my 16-year-old daughter with her friends. I smile and wave happily. At the age where she's embarrassed to be seen with her parents, she pretends not to notice me and walks right past. The pain is immediately replaced with joy as my son innocently hugs me lovingly and then happily drinks his soda.

We're at the clothing store and my 17 year old daughter is crazy. I listen in frustration as she insists that she can only buy the newest and most expensive designer jeans. I turn away from her and smile. My son holds up a pair of simple shorts as he looks at me with questioning eyes.

Our whole family gets frustrated in traffic jams. Everyone except my son, who has his attention focused on a flock of birds resting on a telephone wire. One by one we smile at each other as we notice his joy. With his unique ability to appreciate life, my son continually reminds me of the value of appreciating every moment.

Inspired by Jene Aviram