Every cloud has a silver-blue lining.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Now, I'm not going spell out all the facts about this neurological disorder as I know you can look it up yourselves, if your so inclined. But, I did want to write a little something about it.

My son, who is on the spectrum, will be involved in an art show through the school board this month involving students who have autism. Each student is required to write about their work, a short bio and something about what having autism means to them. Now, just to put things in perspective, we've never had the "diagnosis" talk with him as we felt that he will ask when he's ready, and up until now, he's not asked about it. I have to admit, I kind of have always been worried about having this 'talk' as I hoped that I would be able to explain it as honestly as possible without making him feel too 'different'.
But no more:

"I feel awesome having autism because you can go to the Geneva Centre to have a playgroup with other people. I feel really happy to have autism because I'm special and smart. My teacher makes me feel good about myself. My friends and family make me feel good too!"

After reading this about 30 times (or more), all I could think was how every cloud has a silver lining. In this case, a silver-blue lining.

Happy World Autism Awareness Day.