Aware

To my son Tommy,

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.  And for that matter April is Autism Awareness month.  Autism effects many families from all walks of life through out this big blue marble we call Earth.  Giving people knowledge on autism is a cause very dear and close to the hearts of our family members.  Your cousin Gabe is on the autistic spectrum.  Like your mother recently said to me about another matter, "When it involves family, we take it more personal and we are downright protective".  I may have paraphrased a bit there but you get the idea.

I am not going to try to explain the ins and outs of the autism spectrum.  I only have a loose grasp on most of the concepts and constantly have to ask questions.  Luckily your Aunt Debbie is an expert and volunteers her time and knowledge to make sure her knowledge and experience and that of other experts can get to those of us with questions.  You see there is a lot of bogus information about autism and what causes autism and what it means to have autism or what it is like living with autism or living with someone who has autism.  That is why it is important to educate people through awareness campaigns and events like the Honestly Autism Day that your Aunt Debbie helps run and most of the family volunteers for.

So what does all this mean for you?  It actually is of little consequence because you love your cousin dearly and nothing really changes.  You can still be the annoying little cousin who always basically rips the coat of Gabe so you can wear it and be just like him.  As you guys grow together, you might have a few questions here and there.  Never be afraid to ask as I am sure your Aunt Debbie will be able to field most any question.  Everybody in this world is different in their own unique way.  You have sensitivities to foods and trying new foods where as Gabie might have sensitivities to too much noise or certain social situations.  It doesn't matter the difference or the cause, because through love and knowledge and awareness and understanding and love, our family will grow together stronger each day.

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo