Discover the power words can have when they resonate with your own lived experiences. When living deep in the unique challenges and day-to-day life of autism, it can be helpful to be reminded of the immense love, resilience, and beauty that comes with parenting these incredible children. Empowering quotes can serve as beacons of hope, guidance, inspiration, and motivation to keep moving forward.
The Autism Spectrum Defined
The autism spectrum is a way of describing the varying experiences and behaviors of people with autism. Autism is not a black-and-white diagnosis that people either have or don’t have; rather, it is a spectrum of abilities. Autism presents itself in various ways, with differences in how people communicate, interact, and behave.
In simple terms, just like a spectrum of color, the autism spectrum includes a wide range of abilities and challenges. It helps others to understand that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unique to each person and has different needs for support. In childhood, this often means hitting milestones on their own time or in ways that look different from others.
Parenting a Child With Autism
Parenting a child with autism is a remarkable journey filled with unique joys and challenges. It requires patience, understanding, and unconditional love. It’s most important to remember that you are not alone.
Children with ASD may display extreme behaviors due to overstimulation, change in routine, or unexpected situations. At these times, parents may struggle to calm their child down and help them self-regulate. Many wonderful products and toys assist in self-regulation, but it falls on the hands of the parents to learn what works best for their child and be ready for these situations.
Seek support, celebrate every milestone, and cherish the extraordinary moments. Your love and dedication make a world of difference in your little one’s life. Keep believing in their limitless potential and embrace the beauty found in their individuality.
You can create a nurturing environment where your child can grow and thrive through the ups and downs and the challenges thrown their way. When feeling down, know that it’s okay and it’s normal. During these times, seek out positivity and try to turn your outlook around with whatever brings you joy.
These inspiring individuals and empowering quotes can help you to breathe, regroup, and see the beauty that is autism.
Inspirational People With Autism
Some of the greatest, most interesting people in the world have an ASD diagnosis. Many of them speak up to spread autism awareness, understanding, and to encourage children with autism to know that they can overcome their limits and turn their talents into remarkable successes.
Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin is a prominent figure in the autism community and a renowned advocate for individuals with autism. She is also a professor, author, and animal behavior expert. As a person on the autism spectrum herself, Dr. Grandin has made significant contributions to understanding and improving the lives of those with autism.
Her insights into animal behavior and her personal experiences have shaped our understanding of autism and inspired many. Grandin's work has had a profound impact on education, animal welfare, and autism advocacy, making her a highly respected and influential figure — not only in the world of autism — but worldwide.
Dr. Grandin can set an inspiring example for your child, showing them that children with autism have no limits and can use their unique abilities to create wonderful opportunities with hard work and dedication.
Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle is a Scottish singer who gained international recognition and fame through her appearance on the reality show Britain's Got Talent in 2009. Boyle became an overnight sensation with her powerful and stunning performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical Les Misérables.
Despite initial doubts and prejudices based on her appearance and humble background, Susan Boyle captivated the audience and judges with her remarkable voice, ultimately becoming a symbol of talent, perseverance, and breaking stereotypes. Since then, she has released several successful albums and continues to inspire people around the world with her incredible journey and exceptional vocal abilities.
A few years after her claim to fame, Susan Boyle announced her diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, which is considered to be a subtype of autism named after Hans Asperger. She was embraced with open arms by the autism community and shared her struggles to spread awareness and understanding to the public.
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg, who also shared a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, is a Swedish environmental activist who gained international recognition for her efforts to combat climate change. Born in 2003, she first gained attention in August 2018 when she started protesting alone outside the Swedish Parliament, demanding stronger action on climate change.
Her strikes inspired a global movement known as "Fridays for Future," where students around the world started skipping school on Fridays to protest for climate action. Thunberg's powerful speeches and activism have made her a prominent voice in the fight against climate change.
At her young age, she has spoken at various international forums, including the United Nations Climate Action Summit, and continues to advocate for urgent and decisive actions to address the climate crisis. Thunberg has received numerous awards and accolades for her activism and has become an influential figure, particularly among young people, inspiring them to take action and raise their voices for a sustainable future.
Over Twitter, Greta said, “I have Aspergers and that means I'm sometimes a bit different from the norm. And — given the right circumstances — being different is a superpower.”
Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, writer, and musician. He first gained fame as a cast member on the show Saturday Night Live in the 1970s. Aykroyd is known for his comedic talent and has appeared in numerous iconic films, including The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, and Trading Places.
He has received Emmy and Academy Award nominations. Apart from acting, he is also an entrepreneur and co-founded the "House of Blues" chain of music venues. He continues to be active in the entertainment industry, showcasing his versatile talents across various mediums.
As a talented and very loved actor, Dan Aykroyd shared that he struggles with both Asperger’s and Tourette’s. He is open about the challenges this has presented in his life and career but, regardless, has powered through to become incredibly successful and well-respected.
Akroyd shared that his autism is what led to the idea of Ghostbusters, saying “One of my symptoms included my obsession with ghosts and law enforcement—I carry around a police badge with me, for example. I became obsessed with Hans Holzer, the greatest ghost hunter ever. That’s when the idea of my film Ghostbusters was born.”
Anthony Hopkins
Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins is another inspirational figure with ASD. He was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome later in life, but despite his challenges, has had an incredible career winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Silence of the Lambs.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Inspirational Quotes for Parents of Children With Autism
Some days it can feel like autism is the world you live in, the air you breathe, and the life that no one on the outside could possibly understand. When it begins to feel overwhelming, these quotes remind us that autism is not an identity label; it’s simply a unique perspective.
A person with autism is just that — a person. A human being. They may be perceived as different or having different abilities, but different doesn't mean wrong.
“Autism doesn’t have to define a person. Artists with autism are like anyone else: They define themselves through hard work and individuality.”
-Adrienne Bailon, Artist
“I am different, not less.”
-Dr. Temple Grandin
“Autism is part of my child. It’s not everything he is. My child is so much more than a diagnosis.”
-S.L. Coelho
“If you’ve met A child with autism, you’ve met A child with autism. Each and every one of them is so wonderfully different.” — Anonymous
Books for Neurodivergent Children
Interactive books and social stories are an excellent way to engage children with autism and begin to build their toolbox for social skills, communication, and peer interaction. It can also be endearing to read books with characters they can relate to.
Check out some of the books below to connect with your child and situations they may be dealing with:
Luna Makes a Friend
In the sweet and heartwarming story, Luna Makes a Friend, Luna displays bravery as she goes through the steps it takes to make a new friend. This is a subtle way to begin introducing your child to different social skills and appropriate conversation starters.
Leo Starts a Conversation
This interactive story, Leo Starts a Conversation, displays bravery and teaches children how to approach others and be friendly and polite. The prompting in this book allows you to practice these skills in a bonding moment reading with your own little one.
Leo Deals With Anger
While validating the overwhelming feelings your child may experience at times, Leo Deals With Anger talks about emotional regulation, calm-down methods, and how to properly handle anger when interacting with others.
Leo Plays Nicely
Leo Plays Nicely is a wonderful reminder of the dos and don'ts of social interactions. It features Leo during recess, remembering the rules and how to play kindly with others.
Luna Ends Her Conversation
Luna Ends Her Conversation dives into how to politely end a conversation and say goodbye. Many of these skills do not come naturally to those with ASD, so practicing different appropriate phrases and ways to start and end conversations is important.
Conclusion
Though autism comes with its own unique challenges, it also comes with its own unique beauty and talents. When parenting a child with autism, it’s okay to take a minute when you need to and reset your focus. Remembering these encouraging quotes and successful, influential leaders can help to reassure your nerves and get you back on track.
CTA: Remember, you are not alone in your journey. Visit Big Heart Toys Blog to find connection and understanding navigating this beautiful journey.
Sources:
Four Faces of Overstimulation | Autism Spectrum News
Susan Boyle Reveals Her Autism | Child Mind Institute
Hans Asperger, 1906-1980 – The Autism History Project
Dan Aykroyd Battling with Aspergers AND Tourette’s | Montgomery Academy
Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations | National Autistic Society
Dan Aykroyd Says Being on the Spectrum Helped Him Make Ghostbusters | Child Mind Institute
