That’s a GOOD QUESTION! Which is exactly what I tell the kids in the new books about “Wy-Wy” coming SOON! For years now I have seen so many beautiful little “QUESTIONING EYES” looking our direction. It’s always the same …Wyatt’s self- stimulatory hand actions will catch the youngsters eye. From there its eyes to me then back to him ,etc… etc… etc… just like watching a tennis match! Sometimes the child will ask their parent why Wyatt is doing what Wyatt is doing?? I’d say 7 times out of 10 the parent will “hush” the child and pretend the question was never asked.

I assume that they must feel uncomfortable. I have to ask those people…can you think of any other questions your child asks that you just don’t address?! Is autism the proverbial “Hot Potato” ? Keep passing that sucker off …can’t get caught with that. Don’t want to “Go There.” Whatever… you want to call it. It seems to me ,to be a …”too busy” thing. People have seemingly always been too busy to “try” and understand the syndrome. Heck how many years were wasted considering it mental retardation?

That’s annoying to think of. So, moving on …to my passion! (some may say… MY obsession.) The passion I have to see people understanding and accepting of our autistic community! There are alot of issues that can “layer-up” on these kids. Some will have higher degrees of “said” issues than others… and vice -versa. In the books I keep it fairly simple and describe self- stimulating behaviors & sensory issues. That is the best start in my mind. If we can get the children to understand that Wyatt’s behaviors are driven by his “need to feel”, rather than just random outbursts. I believe that a calm understanding can begin for everyone. Autism is intimidating to some people. YES , WE GET THAT!!

So it is impairitive to make the knowledge common! Strip the mystery and take away its overwhelming POWER. Taking away part of that mystery is how we can accomplish that…and so it starts with the education of everyone. Especially the kids! Our kids…PEERS. I trully believe that we can wait no longer! Once we shine the light on AUTISM the world will be a more a well- rounded place!