#IamNotKelliStapleton (4pawsforrose)

#Iamnotkellistapleton

This is in response to the current martyrdom of Kelli Stapleton. I am contributing to a great cause started within the autistic community and agree with the feelings of disgust and outrage of the current trend of parents of children with special needs receiving the message that its OK to cause harm to their children or end their life. 
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I am the mother of a beautiful little girl who is autistic. I love my daughter and would do anything for her.

I am not kelli stapleton.

I see her stimming and putting things in her mouth, I don't yell or shame her. I know she doesn't realize that she is doing it at the time. I look for safer ways for her to stimulate her focus like necklaces that are safe to chew.

I am not kelli stapleton.

I listen and educate myself on her favorite obsessions so I can every opportunity to communicate with my daughter. I try to prepare her for conversations with new friends about what she is interested in and explain why an introduction to a new topic will be received better.

I am not kelli stapleton.

I see her spinning. I make her circle skirts that will make spinning even better.

I am not kelli stapleton.

I never hesitate to hug my daughter after a meltdown because I want her to feel safe and accepted.

I am not kelli stapleton.

If my daughter is having a hard time communicating verbally I offer her a pencil and paper for her to draw her feelings. I want to know how my daughter is feeling and tell her that those feelings are valid. 

I am not kelli stapleton.

I read everything I can from the autistic adult community because I want to know how they think and I understand that they are like my child. They are the greatest resource that an autistic parent can have. 

I am not kelli stapleton.

I understand that there will be struggles for my little girl because she thinks and learns things differently. I know that the best thing that I can do is to reassure her that home is a safe place. That she is loved.

I am not kelli stapleton.

This post was originally published here.