HWH MAGAZINE 1 | Page 7

Introducing Mason • When you look up the definition Autism Spectrum Disorder you may find this definition among many, Autismis a complex neurobehavioral disorder that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors. The disorder covers a large spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. It ranges in severity from a handicap that somewhat limits an otherwise normal life to a devastating disability that may require institutional care. Children with autism have trouble communicating. They have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to express themselves either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch. A child with autism who is very sensitive may be greatly troubled -- sometimes even pained -- by sounds, touches, smells, or sights that seem normal to others. I have a son who has Autism and he's made me strive harder to be more than better than as a person and mom. He's taught me so much and I've learned to have more patience & try to be as understanding as possible although it's like we're in di fferent worlds at times. I'm thankful my son Mason is verbal but he still has some difficulties expressing thoughts, feelings or behaviors. I know that I'll never be able to see in his mind to get answers so all I can do is be show him support, use patience, be understanding as much as possible and Love him harder and more with each day. His life doesn't revolve around mine, my life revolves around his and of coarse his older Sister's whom I love with all my heart as well. Patenting one child or more can be hard for someone but parenting 2 children who are like night and day has its challenges but not impossible to do. I typically like to think outside the box which is how I'm able to help my son in certain situations and circumstances when he needs or lacks something. I wouldn't trade Mason for the world but would love to open the world that's hidden in his vault (his brain) so that I could understand him more. God gave me Mason so I could be stronger than I ever was, learn more patience and wisdom and to be the best I could ever be. Despite the hard days with stress and tears he's worth every bit because he's making me stronger and better. My kids are my World, that's something every parent should feel & strive to be the best they can so the world would be a better place to live in.