Alright – so, as an autism mom, I am tired 8am, 8pm, 1pm and 1am and in-between. I cannot remember the last time I slept 8 hours straight without interruption. This is the same for almost all autism parents. We are tired and exhausted. Children with autism often do not sleep at night. I once fainted after my son did not sleep for three days and nights straight. This is not unusual for our families.
For the Somali community, autism is soooo high and it is impacting us profoundly. When I see a Somali family with two-year-old with autism, my heart breaks. My son is 21 now and for our community to still have no answers is hard, heartbreaking and tiring.
We have to produce Somali researchers, BCBAs, licensed mental professionals, developmental peds, psychologists and psychiatrists. It is more tiring to be always alert with providers that do not reflect our community.
So, pretty please; if you a young black, brown and/or Somali person, learn to be any autism professional. Learn about autism, learn about our children, families and needs. We are in need of your services, support and guidance.
When I see a therapist that reflects my son, my heart melts and I am relaxed. I can speak for almost every minority autism parents. It is a different feeling.
Now, there may be some Oreo and twinkie people – I do not speak for you. You can read my blogs about Oreos and twinkies.
The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.
Idil Abdull – Somali Autism Mom & Trying to retire advocate.