Every parent wants their child to act normal so they can fit in the society norm. But parents need to understand their child is smart in their own way to fit in the community. “he told a reporter from a local newspaper that his fondest wish was to make his son “ normal”. But he and Gloria had already given him something better than normal: a community that celebrates him for being exactly who he is” (477). I know as a parent it is hard to see your child in pain, but they need to encourage them and give them strength so they can do better in life. As mentioned in the Epilogue Mark was an autist, but he was capable of having a normal life. His parents had faith in him and every time they try to work with him rather than telling him what to do. “Because in those suggestions, there is a kind of hope” ( 407). The more open-minded the parents get the more it will help the child. There is nothing to be ashamed of because we have no control over things we can only help to cure. “ I don’t ever let nervousness get in the way of my happiness” ( 477). Mark had faith himself and he was confident of the things he was doing in his life. As I was reading I found it interesting the way Mark was living his life, it seems similar to the normal person the way his dad wishes for. But he had to find ways which work best for him in order to reach a certain level in his life.
I am sure as a parent having an autistic child is not easy. We have read so many stories and papers on this topic. Personally, I think autism should not be considered a disease which we look to cure. Being “normal” is not something any of us know how to be. We are all born with our strengths and weaknesses. To truly be supportive of a child with autism is just being there to help them. They simply learn in different ways than the ways we have learned. Patience is something that is required in these situations. If you do not let it be known that their is something “wrong” with the child who is autistic it can really benefit him/her. As we have our own insecurities and self esteem, so do they. And having the support from family and friends in trying to do better can be really beneficial, as it is for all of us. Autism has become so common today that this should be considered just another “norm”.
Jasbir you are right, parents do want their kids to act normal and I agree with you that parents with autistic children need to understand that their kids do fit in this “perfect” world that society perceives. Jessie you are right, none of us can tell the difference from who is normal and who is not. We are all weird and abnormal in our own way and there is nothing wrong with that. I know many parents with Autistic children are questioning themselves on what have they done wrong and what could they have done to prevent their child from being Autistic. A friend of mine has two Autistic children and she kept on blaming herself. She even went into depression because she felt as if she was failing as a mom. She eventually saw that she was not alone and eventually things started to fall into places.
I agree with you, I believe normal is a social construct and parents should not force their children to be “Normal”. There is a strength in being one’s open self without having to hide behind a screen just to fit into society. It may be hard to adjust at first as an autist but in the end being ones self is the most important accomplishment anyone can achieve.