Bit of Humor
Here’s the deal. I realize autism is serious, and I understand the reasons behind thoughtful discussions and significant concern about the well-being of individuals diagnosed with autism. At the same time, it seems to me that we sometimes sacrifice quality of life by focusing on serious issues and intense strategies more than on laughter and humor
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Sometimes we all just need to chill out, but that can be difficult. The very nature of autism can fill our days to the brim, as we juggle behavior challenges and communication issues and social concerns and sleep interruptions and meetings at school and work and therapy – YIKES! Who has time to laugh?
It is time to stop – right now – and do these three things. No excuses. No choices. Just do these three things.
1. REALIZE YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL! No matter how hard you try, you are NOT going to be able to make every aspect of your friend’s life perfect. So decide right now to just ignore issues you cannot control. Do what you can, but do not make everyone miserable in the process.
2. DROP EVERYTHING! Just stop what you are doing, take a break, and spend some time connecting with your friend with autism as a real person – warts and all.
3. CHANGE FOCUS! Take time right now to change your focus. Move away from stress and conflict. Move toward taking what comes with a bit of humor. Look at your life and figure out when the stress-level gets out of hand. Then take at lease one specific step to make those times more enjoyable.
For example, if you are a family member of a person with autism, you might anticipate the craziness of the morning rush or the stress-filled bedtime hassle. Do what you can to insert a bit of humor so everyone can relax.
If you are a teacher, you might lower your expectations a notch just before lunch-time and the end of the school day so you and your friend with autism can have a few leisure moments to connect by reading Dennis the Menace or Garfield.
TIP FOR THE DAY. This discussion is, of course, an oversimplification of the issues and challenges related to autism we face every day. But I encourage you to do what you can to insert a bit of humor and joy in each day.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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