For Michael, the challenges he faces are not immediately evident to others

For Michael, the challenges he faces are not immediately evident to others. Unlike disabilities that have visible physical manifestations, Michael’s communication difficulties do not present themselves outwardly. As a result, people may not recognize that he has autism or understand the extent of his needs. This invisibility can lead to misunderstandings, assumptions about his abilities, and, crucially, a lack of appropriate support and accommodations. Michael’s nonspeaking autism means he might not be able to express himself verbally, making it difficult for others to grasp his thoughts, feelings, and needs. This can lead to frustration for both Michael and those interacting with him, as traditional forms of communication may not be effective. Without visible signs, people might mistakenly perceive Michael as uninterested or unable to engage, which is far from the truth. His experiences are just as valuable and profound as those of anyone else; they simply require different methods of expression. Awareness and representation matter immensely in this context. When people understand the diverse ways autism can manifest, it helps dispel myths and stereotypes about nonspeaking autism, emphasizing that a lack of speech does not equate to a lack of intelligence or emotional depth. Representation is equally important. Seeing individuals with nonspeaking autism represented in media, education, and public life can foster a more inclusive society. It can provide role models for Michael, showing him that he is not alone and that his potential is limitless. Representation also educates the broader community, showcasing the diverse ways children, like Michael, communicate and connect with the world around them. By raising awareness and ensuring representation, we can create environments where Michael and others with nonspeaking autism receive the respect, empathy, and tailored support they need to thrive. This not only enhances their quality of life but also enriches our communities by embracing the full spectrum of human diversity. 📌Why parents, like me, are constantly hovering closely in public settings, or public playgrounds? While Michael no longer dangerously elopes and can now communicate in limited ways with ASL, not all children understand his language, so we still need to act as his voice and interpreter. We also need to provide immediate correction and feedback to redirect behaviors that aren’t socially acceptable. Remember, Michael learns behaviors through modeled actions. Often, all young children are still learning appropriate social behaviors themselves, and most are still emotionally underdeveloped. This makes any conflict with a nonspeaking child like Michael deeply unfair without our oversight to advocate for Michael's position. So, while many families may benefit from the "let children be children" approach without intervention, that is not how it works for us. We parent Michael in more involved ways to support his development and growth, ensuring he understands what’s happening around him and why - and that he is fully and fairly seen and heard. 📔 ebook: collection of Joint Activities that naturally promote Eye Contact in Bio Link 🔗 👑 The full mini-vlog in our approach to education and therapy on our IG Subscribers Page 👑 #heartwarming #parenting #autism #ASL #signlanguage #nonspeaking #nonverbal #inspiration #motivate #autismawareness #autismjourney #neurodivergent #parentingtips #representationmatters #cute #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #parentingautism #communication

[@habui1410]

Sweet boy with sweet laugh 😍