April is Autism Awareness Month, and we often hear stories about families who have children with autism and the struggles they face each day. We are called to teach our children to be loving and compassionate to others, regardless of their differences. Many parents make it their life’s mission to advocate for their children and to teach others about their beautiful lives.
Stephanie Hanrahan is a mother of two children with autism who uses her social media platform, @tinklesherpants, to share her life with others. In a powerful Facebook post that is a must-read for parents, Hanrahan recently shared that she doesn’t want autism awareness or acceptance. Instead, she wants inclusion.
For Hanrahan, there is more to life with autism than acceptance and awareness.
She uses social media to educate others about her daughter, Campbell, and son, Eli. Hanrahan explained in her post that being aware and accepting doesn’t necessarily mean that people understand or will change.
“Awareness by definition means ‘knowledge of a situation or fact.’ You can have knowledge of autism and do absolutely nothing about it. Awareness doesn’t equal action. And acceptance? Acceptance can be done begrudgingly,” she wrote. “I accept that Monday rolls around after every weekend. I accept that there was rain on my wedding day. We can accept that things exist without ever having to embrace them.”
What does Hanrahan want?
She wants inclusion, but not only for her children; she wants inclusion for all children.
“I’d like you to consider ditching awareness and acceptance and move towards inclusion instead. Because that by definition means ‘a sense of belonging,'” she explained.
Although she admits she knows and accepts her children better than “any other person on this planet,” the mom continues to educate herself every day to better support her children’s needs.
“Don’t just tell your kids to be kind, order books on neurodiversity. Invite children like mine over to play, and then – employ them. Real change shouldn’t just be the responsibility of the disabled. It starts with radical ‘inclusion’ by everyone else too,” she wrote in her post.
Hanrahan is devoted to her children's inclusion.
In an Instagram post, she explained that she often faces criticism from people who don’t want to see her children with autism on social media. But Hanrahan is steadfast in her belief that autism is not an issue and she is quick to clap back.
“Our generation is novice when it comes to navigating this online world and surely I will make many missteps. But one thing I will never do (unless asked by my children) is hide who we are,” she wrote. “Autism is an inseparable part of identity. If you see my kids, you see their disability. And that is something we’re incredibly proud to post.”
Many people support her mission.
Comments on her Facebook post cheered her on.
“Acceptance is great, but you mama said it well, inclusion is what we need. It’s what our children need, we want to see them thrive in all aspects of life. Form friendships, employment and a real grasp on kindness. My Neurotypical child has play dates left and right and neighborhood kids running in and out of our home to play with her constantly,” someone wrote. “It breaks my heart for my youngest, I have cried many many times over this. She deserves to have that in her day to day life. Hats off to you and all the rest of us special needs mothers and children.”
So many agreed.
“I love this so much. I have shared as you have shared what we all live and know so well,” another person commented.
“This is perfect!” someone else proclaimed.
Another comment simply reads, “Every. Single. Word.”
More from CafeMom: 20 Things Everyone Needs To Know About Autism
Hanrahan wants people to understand that her children are normal.
In a pinned post on Instagram, she makes it clear there is nothing wrong with her children. “My daughter (and son) are autistic. My daughter (and son) are normal. Autism is not a curse or disease we’ve suddenly come down with. It’s not something we banish or wish away,” she shared. “Diversity is an inherently normal part of nature. There are 11,000 species of birds. Is it impossible to believe a deviation of brains exists too?”
“‘There’s nothing wrong with that kid’ you’re d— right there’s nothing wrong with her. Autism is not a problem,” one person commented.
A fellow person with autism shared, “I’m Austisic myself, and they come in different shape and sizes. You don’t have to look like it. I love this message, so much!!”
We love this message and wholeheartedly believe in inclusion for everyone every day. Congrats, Momma!
