Blessed by Autism

Allison Brown considers that while autism brings struggles and challenges, children with autism are uniquely gifted to bring the light of hope to the world.

"Are you okay, mum? I will always be here for you, Mum."  

 I am currently ill with acute asthma and am resting. The youngest of our eight children, who is diagnosed with autism level 3 and global developmental delays, came upstairs. Wrapping his arms around me, he climbed into my lap. "I just love you!" he exclaimed moments before he fell peacefully asleep.  

Though my cup is empty and at times I feel I have nothing more to give, I am reminded by the precious gift of seeing the world through the eyes of autism that sometimes all we need to do is acknowledge the need for the other to be seen and heard, confirming their dignity and identity as a son or daughter of Jesus Christ. 

In turn, these precious children show us through their simple and little ways the love Jesus has for us. 

The world may feel cruel to our children, who have been given heavy crosses to carry at such a young age. Still, by being the light for our children and showing them the love Jesus has for them through our words and actions, our children are learning to be the light for others struggling and suffering. 

Our children have been given unique gifts for a time such as this in a world that desperately needs hope. God has a plan for them, and while, as parents, we work to provide the care and support they need to experience the same opportunities as other children, I am also aware of how God is using the cross of autism for a greater good: for my child's salvation, for my salvation, for the salvation of my family and the world. 

My child's identity isn't found in his diagnosis. He is unique, made with love and dignity. His dignity is upheld in his identity as a beloved son of God. My son is perfectly and wonderfully made in the image of God. He is born with a natural desire and longing to know our beloved Jesus Christ. 

Writing this, I do not want to minimize how difficult and overwhelming an autism diagnosis is, as well as the everyday challenges it brings. The difficulties I witness my children go through breaks my heart every single time. 

But as a mum with multiple children on the spectrum, I do want to give gratitude for the many opportunities autism presents to our family.  

Through my healing journey, I am learning to meet each difficulty with love, to be the advocate and the safe place my children need me to be. By learning to receive the love of Jesus Christ and His incredible mercy for me, I can be the shoulders that lift my children so they can climb mountains, bring the love of Jesus Christ to others, and, through Jesus, change this world. 

Autism has taught me to step outside of myself and face suffering head-on, give all I have for another person, and then dig deeper within my heart when I think I have nothing else to give. 

The enemy would like us to believe that autism is a curse, a punishment, a cross too heavy to bear. I believe autism is an invitation from the Lord—an invitation to healing, trust, surrender, and hope.  

Jesus extends His hand to my family and asks us, "Do you trust the plans I have for you?" 

He is asking us to step out in faith. Jesus taught that the way to heaven is through the trust and faith of a child.

He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me." (Matthew 18:2-5) 

We must become childlike.  

As my son's mother, I pray that I am leading him to heaven, though some days I wonder who is leading whom, and I listen in amazement to my son's precise words: "I choose Jesus!" It is so simple for my son, who is only six years old. He has chosen Jesus because he understands how much Jesus loves him and that Jesus has chosen him.  

As he continues to sleep soundly with his head against my chest, I cannot help but feel overwhelming gratitude toward our Lord. Oh, how this beautiful child of mine has blessed me! The words of Pope Francis touch my heart:

God created the world with a wide variety of flowers of all kinds of colors. Each flower has its own beauty, which is unique. Also, each one of us is beautiful in the eyes of God, and He loves us. This makes us feel the need to say to God: thank you! (National Catholic Register, September 21, 2020)

And I do, with my whole heart, thank and praise the Lord for blessing me with the most beautiful flowers. 

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Copyright 2024 Allison Brown
Images: Canva