Have a look at a child or adult with autism. Do you see bitterness? Do you see regret? Do you see jealousy, hate, greed, spite, or egotism?
No.
The face that looks back is one of innocence. One untouched by the world and its cynicism.
A portrait of pureness which cries out to be protected and loved.
When you hold a sleeping baby in your arms and you gaze at their little rosebud mouth, delicate eyelashes brushing over their smooth skin, the fine downy hair and the smell of newness which emanates from their every breath, you wish that they never lose their beauty to the knowledge of life.
I know anyone can experience pain and upset, but this does not turn into a bitterness and hate.
Higher functioning autists may be aware of their disability and find it frustrating and isolating but the fact remains that they retain a quality, an almost essence of starlight that gazes from their eyes.
When I watch J sitting, looking into space, no hand flapping, no twitching, no manic laughing, I see his perfect features and beauty and feel blessed to have him educating me and the world that life is not just about the latest celebrity spotting in Heat magazine or the must have gadget of the month, it is about being human and discovering ourselves and what life is really all about.
