‘I Learned That Love Needs No Words': Lessons From Our Ausome Children

As we celebrate World Autism Awareness Month, Smart Parenting asked its community what they have learned from their kids who are on the autism spectrum. And the heartfelt experiences they shared shed light on the profound insights and transformative journeys Ausome parents have undergone through raising Ausome children. Here are a few of their answers that not only illuminate the challenges but also the immense joys and lessons learned from their uniquely beautiful children.

Lessons from children on the spectrum

Kindness and empathy

A mother of two children shared, “I have also learned to be grateful for simple things and to celebrate tiny milestones and progress.” This sentiment encapsulates the shift in perspective many parents experience, learning to cherish every moment and achievement, no matter how small. The mom also emphasized the importance of kindness and empathy, saying, “My children are helping me to be a kinder person to other people. And to be careful not to judge other parents kasi we never know what they’re going through.”

“I learned that LOVE needs no words. They can make you feel loved without telling you.”-Ausome parent

One mother poignantly shared, “Nakilala ko mga totoo kong kaibigan,” reflecting on the painful realization that some friendships were not equipped to handle the complexities of life with autism. This experience, though difficult, helped her discern the true value of supportive relationships in her family’s journey.

Patience and love

Another parent spoke of patience, understanding, and the never-ending quest for knowledge as key elements in embracing her child’s condition. “I’ve learned to be VERY patient… ASD is a lifelong condition. It is a lifelong research, understanding, and acceptance for us,” she said, highlighting the importance of day-to-day learning and self-care for parents navigating this path.

“I learned that patience is not a virtue but it is something we can control. That having a child with autism, we as a family are vulnerable to ignorant people and it is our role to teach them about our children,” another parent shared.

“Kailangan kong tanggapin nang buo ang anak ko para tanggapin din siya ng ibang tao.”-Ausome parent

Unconditional love and acceptance were recurring themes, as many parents learned to fully embrace their children’s uniqueness. “Love unconditionally and acceptance,” one parent noted, emphasizing the importance of wholeheartedly accepting her child to pave the way for societal acceptance. “Kailangan kong tanggapin nang buo ang anak ko para tanggapin din siya ng ibang tao.”

“I learned that LOVE needs no words. They can make you feel loved without telling you,” another parent said. Another parent echoed this sentiment, saying, “I learned that communication is not only by language, you also have to understand the way they act and every small win is a big celebration for us Ausome parents.”

Strength and joy

The journey through autism has also been one of growth and resilience for parents. “I learned a lot of things. And still learning. Sabay kami nag grow ng anak ko,” shared one, illustrating how challenges such as public meltdowns became opportunities for personal strength and understanding within the community. “Natutunan ko din na huwag mahiya kapag may public meltdown ang anak ko, na hindi pala yun nakakahiya kahit masama na tingin ng iba sa akin… Nabago buhay namin, biglang nag shift mga dreams namin for him.”

Another parent revealed a newfound strength and resolve, saying, “I learned to hold on and not give up on our family.” This determination to persevere through challenges is a common thread, highlighting the resilience and unwavering commitment within these families.

The joy and affection that children with autism can bring into a family’s life are profound. One mother expressed, “He taught me to be patient, to be more observant to his and my surroundings… He hugs a lot, kisses a lot, and smiles a lot,” reflecting the deep, unconditional love that transcends any diagnosis.

One parent shared how her child shifted her perspective, saying, “I learned to look at life in a different way. That what we consider as normal and simple for other children might not be the same for children on the spectrum. I learned not to go with the norm but to adjust and adapt as to how my son will react and feel about things.”

While another parent emphasized how Ausome kids are free of judgments, “Ang sarap mabuhay sa mundo kung walang mapanghusga at lahat ay tinatanggap. Dahil sa kanila walang panget, walang mahirap, walang nakakahigit, walang mapag iiwanan. Simple lang ang buhay. And they see the world as a ‘perfect place to live in.’”

“I learned to love with all the colors of the rainbow.”-Ausome parent

Amid the myriad of emotions and challenges, these parents found joy and fulfillment. “Trust the process…it takes time but it will be worth it,” a parent advised, underscoring the importance of patience and faith in the journey of growth and learning for both the child and the family.

These narratives reveal a mosaic of experiences, each unique yet bound by common threads of love, resilience, and the pursuit of understanding. From navigating societal judgments to celebrating every small victory, these mothers have become advocates, not just for their children, but for a more inclusive and empathetic world.

In a society that often rushes to label and exclude, these stories serve as powerful reminders of the strength found in acceptance and the beauty of seeing the world through a spectrum of perspectives. As one mother beautifully put it, “I learned to love with all the colors of the rainbow.”

Read here for parent-recommended TV shows featuring persons with autism.