Are Children with Autism on Earth for a Purpose? Your Thoughts Requested

[Bridget]

Lisa Jo Rudy
A reader recently made this comment, which I've heard many times before:
My husband and I personally believe children with Autism and other learning disabilities are here for a purpose...they are here to teach mankind about unconditional love and unconditional acceptance.
I have to say, this idea gives me pause, for two reasons.
First: the implication is that people with autism and other learning issues are here "for us" - and not because they, themselves, can become fulfilled and active human beings. While people with autism aren't always able to shine in the usual ways, almost every person with autism has abilities and talents which, if nurtured, can teach, impress, delight, or surprise the people around them. I'm personally uncomfortable with the idea that anyone is on this planet simply because others can learn from their plight.

Second: It seems to me that every person on the planet goes through difficulties and hard times, and that all of us turn to others for help at some point in our lives. Whether we're facing financial hard times, illness, depression, or some other crisis - every one of us has at least the potential to "teach humankind about unconditional love and unconditional acceptance."

The fact that all of us, at some point in our lives, are in need of unconditional support, however, doesn't mean that we receive it. Plenty of ordinary, typically-abled people are frightened, distressed or made uncomfortable by a person who needs more than a kind word and a casserole. Supporting a person who's going through depression, grief or mental illness can be difficult - and not everyone is up to the task. It's hard to set aside our own anxieties to truly be available to someone with emotional or psychological differences.

But these are just my own musings. What are your thoughts on this

[Bridget]

For me my son has given me a new meaning to being a parent. I have learned how to have patience something I was kinda short on. I have learned that life is not fair and I have to understand that people in this world will never understand the pain the feel, the worries I have for my son.

[Samantha E's Mum]

the main thing my children have taught me is today right now thats all that is important.... they dont get caught up in the mundane daily trivia that everyone else seems to focus on... no worries for tomorrow its not here yet:) yesterday is gone and forgotten most of the time.

I think all children are a gifts and they all have talents... just some are not lucky enough to have parents that can dedicate their time and efforts into helping them achieve their potential.

I also think that its the world looking at what our children cant do that makes what they can do stand out more.... which is kinda sad because it overshadows the abilities that other children in the family have sometimes.

I do agree that this isn't about pity and others feeling lucky because of a child or person with a disability.

I have always taken a PosAUTive route and try to make others see my children for who they are not what they have.

keep smiling

Shaz :)

[Diana Terry]

My son has taught me, patience, unconditional love, and to always look for the positive things in a person and not to focus on the negitivities in people or life in general..he has been with me through all the ups and downs, and always seems to look at me and smile..and he has such a beautiful smile ( not predjudice or anything..haha).....he has taught me that even though there is so much ignorance in this world with spectrum disorders it is ok to be different..who is to say what "the norm" is any way?? ...Our children are beautiful and a gift from God..He does know what he is doing..that is why He chose us to be their moms, dads, grandparents, siblings etc.........Love and Hugs ((()))

[Kimberly Diaz]

I know god put my daughter her for a reason and only he knows why....I do know my daughter has a gift and that she has taught me numerous things.I was diagnosed with aspergers syndrome around the time she was diagnosed with classic autism.She has taught me that we are different than other people and do things differently.People look at us oddly but we look at eachother with confidence and happiness.She has taught me not to care about what society thinks because it's only what god thinks that matters.She has no predjudice against anyone and loves all people...She accepts people for whom they are and not for what people think of them.She doesn't let people's ignorance bother her because she knows the world she lives in because god created that for us...She is what we need to be... People shouldn't care what other people think of them.They get so stressed when society doesn't accept them.My daughter doesn't have that stress because she doesn't care.We need to learn from that and enjoy life our own way and not to let people interupt that with thier unapproving thoughts. They don't pay my bills or sleep in my bed,nor do they walk in my tired sleep deprived shoes...... so see she has taught me not to care and be happy for i am her mother and she is my daughter and we are autistic (gods creation!)