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My name is Jennifer Maloni. I am not a teacher, a doctor, a therapist or a researcher. I am a mom and I have two beautiful boys, Dominic and Dylan. My hope for them is universal. I want them to be happy, healthy, fulfilled and have lots of friends. I want them to have a good life. But there are obstacles that must be overcome. My children live in a world that few understand. It could easily be a world without communication, friendship, or love.
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| It could easily be a world without hopes and dreams. It is my job to make sure that does not happen. Dominic and Dylan have autism but I will not let it have them. |
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A while back, my son Dylan and I were at a party. Some kids were playing soccer. My little boy, who has so few words, ran over and grabbed the ball and started running. My first reaction was an overwhelming sense of joy. He wanted to play. This was wonderful. I wanted to jump up and down. He was trying to make friends! And then I realized that the other kids didn’t understand. They thought Dylan was trying to take their ball. Instead of fostering new friendships that day, I ended up leaving the party feeling sad and disheartened. I wish I hadn’t left. It could have been a wonderful teaching moment for all of us if I had just said, Dylan wants to play but he doesn’t know how to tell you.
It got me thinking that what we need to do is raise a generation of children who understand and care about this disorder. I want my children to have friends, to be embraced and to be included. I know that it is difficult to explain to a child about autism and I realize that it can be even harder to show them how to be friends with kids who are different. There is no simple explanation. Many people just do not know quite what to say, how to interact, how to engage and foster these relationships. But I do and I can share this with you.
Autism is a puzzle. We do not know its cause. We do not have its cure. And there is no easy way to teach others about this disorder. My hope is that this book is a start. That it will generate discussions and lead to teaching moments during which we can all show our children how to embrace others, even those who seem different. We CAN NOT let this generation forget their peers.
Together, we can raise a generation who WILL NOT judge those with special needs but rather, who WILL embrace them, understand them, and include them. If we can change our children’s perception, we can change the future. If every child is taught about autism and other disorders and are helped to understand how to be friends with those who are different; if we do this, then we grow a whole generation of friends; people who know how to be good to one another. This is my hope. |
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