Thursday, June 11, 2009

Autism Ignorance ......

I cannot believe that in this day and age, there is still reluctance and ignorance against children with a disability.

As you will all know... my dude... Zak has Autism.

The other night I made a suggestion about including him in an organisational activity group with my of course my support as his helper and was met with..... ignorance!!

I can't say that I am angry by it because I am not..... just upset and disappointed.

The persons ignorance was shown loud and clear. The comment about his 'noises' made me go into mother bear mode and in my usual manner, said it was the acoustics in the building, trying to make light of his hurtful comments. I did not like the feeling that it gave me in the pit of my belly. It was just his opinion and attitude towards my fella that I thought was antiquated and well past due for overhaul. I guess he will never know the joy of knowing this special, funny, unique and of course handsome little bloke.

I felt the need to stand my ground and mention anti-discrimination and equal opportunity for all.... even though the ignorance was limited to the one person.

Oh well... lucky for me... I have been there and done all that before... but, it still stings when I look at his sweet smiling face.

Feel free to leave you words of wisdom and opinions......

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow im hearing i get this alot aswell thats right luv stand your ground we are there to protect love and nurture something some people dont seem to unserstand i have a mother inlaw whom seem to thinks there is nothing wrong with our little heithy and that his very naughty,and that our newspaper article is just leading people down the garden path and we are lying to the public little does she know im jst trying to help him and letting others know that there is that other sercice out there any ive babbled on and on......

Anonymous said...

So many people see the label and not the child. As we are an army family, we have to move on a regular basis, changing states. Every move means different state education systems, curriculums, funding levels etc etc. It is hard enough for our special gorgeous kids to deal with change, let alone having to struggle with stupid things like different handwriting and words to describe maths problems. Dayne has had to learn to write 3 times as he could not shift easily into a different handwriting style. Just one of the many problems he has had to overcome because of inadequate funding and an inadequate education system..... We have been very fortunate with our last move - our little Dayne although he has less aid time - NSW sucks - has a fantastic little school with teaching staff who are dedicated to seeing him reach his full potential, not the box that so many would like to put him in. Dayne is fully integrated into Year 5/6 and all the teachers and students take him as he is and love him and nurture him - we have been so blessed. Not looking forward to having to change schools at the end of the year as we are being posted up to Karratha WA - another school system, more funding hoops to jump through etc. etc. We are now having to go through a re-assessment so that he can continue to receive special needs status/funding etc. He has made a lot of progress, and I am so thankful for that, but I get sick of people and their pre-conceived, ignorant ideas of what he is or isn't capable of - Just let him have a go..... I could rant all night... But if we aren't the champions for our kids - who will be??? Carolyn Grant

Anonymous said...

I have been privileged to watch Zak grow and blossom since he started school in Prep with my Dan.He is a gorgegous boy who, against all the advice Di has received, has conquered mountains.The child that wasn't supposed to do many things has done heaps, it was very special to me that one of his firsts was saying Dan's name.I feel that intergration is not only the best thing for the child but fantastic for the children that share this time with him. The child learns to work with others and the children learn about disabilities and learn tolerance, patience and how everyone is special amongst many other valuable life lessons. Zak should be allowed every opportunity to live, learn and grow amongst the company of his pears.Di follow your heart, we are all behind you....

jake duff said...

hey aunty di that really upsets me to he is a friggen awsome kid who is the guy ill get him lol u should of pimp slaped him haha lots of love snaky

Anonymous said...

i cant believe that people in this day and age have the small mindedness to say these things about someone they dont even know, someone they have labelled because of his disability! and to think that many people would have waved it off for something normal instead of something that is discrimination and down right hurtful! sure they dont see how much it hurts but just because they cant get past their small minded ignorance of the unique, caring people that we have in our community that have been waved of as 'those' people becasue they have a disability!

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable! What a nerve! Noises!!! Seems to me that Zak makes more sense then this ignorant bone head. When Zak belts out a scream of delight followed closely by Sarah's name Sarah couldn't be more proud(cause u know she reckons she influenced that)hehe. You have our 100% support (pitch forks n all). I dont mean to sound so aggressive but this makes me soooo angry! Figgin heck it's 2009 not 1509, what sort of person makes such an uneducated comment! I say get with the times MORON. I suppose it's easier for some egotistical people to scoff & make judgement rather than embrace a challenge or any change, negative "can't do'ers" dont stand a chance in a Diane "Proactive" world. Zak will eat this guy for dinner when he shows him how he is capable of doing everything anyone else does and how much fun n originality Zak brings to the table. Thats what this guy needs!.. a little enlightenment and some lessons in manners (which I might add Zak has plenty of!) So you go girl we are all right behind you. love the Chadima's

Anonymous said...

Di,you and your family(plus team Zak)can rightly be proud of Zaks accomplishments.The little bloke could run rings around the ignorant minority ,and probably will in the future!.Your combined patience and perserverance are the reason that Zak is such a great kid to be around.
Next time use that razor sharp wit and tear strips off the ignorant!(come on,you know you want to).