Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): What My Daughter With High-Functioning Autism Has Taught Me About Being "Normal" by Carrie Hix Eddy

Special Needs
2 years ago

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): What My Daughter With High-Functioning Autism Has Taught Me About Being "Normal"

My daughter has something called high-functioning autism, previously referred to as Asperger’s syndrome. She also has sensory processing disorder and OCD. I’ve heard comments like “she seems normal,” “it’s just a phase” and “kids are over-diagnosed these days.” Autism is a spectrum disorder that includes a wide range of symptoms that can vary greatly from person to person. It’s important to remember that people on the autism spectrum are like snowflakes – no one is the same, and they are all beautifully unique. 

Please know that in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s not always the behavior that’s uncommon; it’s the frequency, duration and intensity of the behavior. But she’s a quick learner and learned early on how to mask and maintain, and what behaviors were acceptable. Doctors describe autistic kids like her as chameleons – what you see are kids having fun, interacting, participating, and mimicking their peers so they blend in. What you don’t see is how much effort they put into those activities.

I hope that people will understand that what they often see is just a glimpse of who our kids are. What this journey has taught me is that my daughter is amazing! She’s independent, fierce, passionate, loving, friendly and inspiring. Comments about “how normal she appears” don’t upset me anymore; they give me hope.

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Elisa Schmitz
Thank you for this helpful insight, Carrie Hix Eddy ! I appreciate you opening up and sharing your experience. Your daughter sounds amazing. Welcome to our #30Seconds tribe!! :-)
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story about your daughter, Carrie Hix Eddy ! And welcome to the tribe. We are lucky to have you!
Carrie Hix Eddy
Thanks for your encouragement and guidance!
Nicole DeAvilla
I loved reading about your wonderful daughter. I am so glad that you can be ok with other people's lack of awareness. Welcome to the tribe Carrie Hix Eddy
Christine Jones
This is beautiful Carrie Hix Eddy ! thanks for sharing. Your daughter is lucky to have you as her mom!
Heather Webb Coolbaugh
A beautiful tribute to your daughter. Thank you for sharing your story and the story of your daughter. I look forward to reading more tips. I also have a daughter who is on the Spectrum.
Molly Laird
"It’s important to remember that people on the spectrum are like snowflakes – no one is the same, and they are all beautifully unique" so beautiful and so true. Thank you for writing this very important piece.
ericbatts
It’s easy to lose patience when things aren’t going your way. Try not to. They’re experiencing things differently and may take longer to adjust to certain situations. Know more from >
TUNNEL VISION GOGGLES
If you mention autism to most people they will think about children, but it is a lifelong diagnosis. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. Little is known about how the symptoms change with age.

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