Healing Within: Feed Your Soul

April Again. It’s starting to feel like I’ve said everything I can say about autism: Awareness isn’t enough, blue lights do nothing, and most of the world doesn’t see what living with autism (especially profound autism) is really like. Families are drowning and need help and resources and funds and miracles. I said it here, and here. And yeah, here too. Happy freakin’ World Autism Day …

A Healing Journey

My favorite autism conference that I attend each year is called “Heal Our Children, Heal Ourselves.” While I’ve always been focused on “Autism Action,” I really appreciate how this conference isn’t strictly new medical treatments or opportunities for activism (though theses aspects are certainly part of it). There is also a focus on our emotional healing and wellbeing. And over the years, this conference has been more centered on spirituality, and not just on medically healing our children but bringing them to a place of wholeness and finding peace for all of us.

This led me to focus on my own autism journey over the past 15+ years. At first, being so hyper focused on “getting rid” of autism and getting back to a “normal” life. But everything I learned and experienced changed the way I saw the world. And even if I never heard the word autism again, I could never go back to being “normal.” So my focus shifted to embracing a new normal and trying to create a less toxic, healthier lifestyle for my family. Then, I further embraced healing and turned to healing from within and nurturing the soul as well as the body.

Soul Work

As my focus shifts still further into a spiritual healing journey, I look at this world and everyone in it a little bit differently. I don’t mean this in a kooky, cultish way (though I’m sure some will see it that way no matter what). I have always believed that there is more to this world than meets the eye. Focusing on a greater meaning, the purpose we each serve, and how we are all connected has allowed me to see things from a broader perspective and helped me to be less angry and more forgiving. It’s certainly not perfect – I have A LOT of inner work to still do. But, this has helped me to be present and live with intention. This is the best way to feed your soul.

The Autism Narrative

I’ve written before about my issues with “blue washing” and the autism narrative. It’s great to focus on the gifts are children have and they deserve to be loved and accepted like everyone else. But this narrative erases the struggles of families and the realities of autism life. And no matter the message du jour, it seems there is always an effort to “disappear” severe autism. Autism is a superpower! (pay no attention to the hairy man-child in diapers and helmet flapping in the corner)

I don’t think anyone believes the “better diagnosing” narrative anymore. So, the latest approach is “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Now, everyone has autism! Comedians, influencers on tik tok, teens on TV … everyone who has social anxiety or feels a bit a awkward or has ever once felt like they didn’t fit in. It’s because “Autism!”

You know who doesn’t fit in? The mom who is always worried about the next seizure. The dad installing locks on the doors, windows, and refrigerator. The child beating himself in the head. And why don’t you see them? Well, they can’t really go out in public much.

Feed Your Soul

And this is why our soul work is more important than ever. We HAVE to heal ourselves to help our children heal. This month I’m going to take a closer look at inner healing.

This is for all the displaced warriors there, from the OG mamas to those with a new diagnosis and anyone else who feels left out of the April celebration and the current narrative. Keep going. Distance yourself from the drama and the noise and chaos. Find the energy that gives you comfort and strength. Find the people who help you heal your pain. Do the things that feed your soul.