look again

Josiah has had a terrific week at Camp Takoda, the autism camp hosted by Easter Seals and run by the Autism Society of McLean County.

For good or for bad, I had my hesitations about signing him up, wondering what kinds of behaviors he might imitate or how he would feel about being identified with other kids who were at all ranges of the spectrum.  Before even getting out of the car on our first day of camp, I quickly spotted a camper with a helmet to protect himself from self-injurious behaviors, and walked past children who were humming, rocking, and engaging in self-stimulating behavior.  Counselors wore T-shirts highlighting the symptoms of autism.  One sported a pink shirt with the caption, "start seeing autism."  When I saw my son settled with a friendly group of boys about his age, I felt better and bid him the farewell he was so anxious to get out of the way so he could get on to his day.

Each afternoon Josiah came home from camp talking about the exciting things he had done: the boat rides, the fishing, being afraid of the zipline, the bulls-eyes he made in archery, shooting a BB gun for the first time, the water games, and a scavenger hunt.  What a week of FUN he has had!  He has also shared with enthusiasm the names of the boys he has made friends with.  There have been no questions about anyone's behavior, no wondering why he is at camp with children who may act a little differently (or very differently!) than what he may normally see.  And last night, as I pondered his week and how he has responded, it hit me why.

When Josiah looks at his new friends, his untrained eyes do not see autism.  He sees children with names, particular likes and dislikes, who say things that make him laugh and have shared his exciting adventures.  He sees KIDS. 

I also can't remember when I have seen so many parents gaze upon their children with such looks of love, parents who have learned the lesson Josiah's innocence has taught me this week. Surely, there are times when we need to stop seeing autism.

"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."  1 Samuel 16:7