Its been close to 18 years since my baby cousin passed away... Being in India, and never having heard of Autism in my entire life, the only thing we knew was that he was the most gentle boy on earth... He didn't live beyond his 5th birthday... But all of us still can't forget the loose hugs or the wet kisses that he would give us... The way his face would light up when he recognises us...
Now in my late 20s, I keep wondering if we could do anything better for him... Had we known, could we have helped him more? We loved him unconditionally... but we would have given anything to put him more at ease... Ignorance is not bliss. And its not just the adults and the immediate family that should know about them... We need to learn... and know more... All of us do... So that if we come across an autistic angel tomorrow... we should be ready to extend our hand in the way that they are happy with. Its the least we can do.
Chicago, IL