Autism Acceptance Month

April was Autism Acceptance Month and in honor of this, Olive Branch had an opportunity for anyone in the waiting room to share either a story, a favorite character trait, or the impact that someone had on their life who happens to be on the autism spectrum. People did respond writing one or more notes.

Before I delve into the contents of the notes, let me educate on autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and behave. It’s a spectrum, meaning it affects individuals differently, and there’s no single way it manifests. Diagnoses can range from mild to severe, and the challenges and strengths associated with autism vary greatly from person to person. It affects about 1 in 36 children in the United States and boys are nearly 5 times more likely to have it (Massachusetts General Hospital). While there’s no cure for autism, early intervention and support can help individuals develop skills and improve their quality of life. 

Onto the notes, they were all nice to see up on the walls and be able to read for this blog. People wrote about their brother, grandson, daughter, a girl at their school, friend, cousin, son, brother-in-law, students, sister, family friend, and a husband. Some words that people who visited the office described people with ASD were:

·       Helpful and nice

·       Creative, kind, a dreamer, and a deep thinker

·       Kind and smiles a lot

·       Great listener and passionate

·       Friendly, kind, has an adventurous spirit, and a jokester

·       Chill and can make me feel better

·       Loving

·       Joyful and shows how God’s plan is better thanours

·       Happy, creative, can make people feel happy and loved

·       Genius, kind, thoughtful, a great business partner and life partner

·       Her smile makes me happy and brings joy to my day

If you think you or someone you know may have Autism Spectrum disorder, and would benefit from counseling, feel free to contact us at Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. in Tinley park by calling (708) 633-8000, or at 6819 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois, online at https://www.olivebranchcounselingassociates.com/. Olive Branch offers therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We would be happy to hear from and see you!

Hope Meegan

At the Front Desk