Denise Vickers-Leon
ECB Publishing, Inc.
“Standing in the paint,” is a term generally relative to the game of basketball and the positioning of players in a certain restricted zone. There are three specific rules, which if not adhered to, can result in negative consequences. These include the three-second rule, lane violations and fouls committed in the zone.
An unknown and unrecognized number of mothers who have autistic children continue to redefine the term and modify the rules as they relate to autism. Many are fortunate enough to have a supportive tribe behind and helping them. There are others, however, who endure the challenge alone, yet they all have one thing in common. When their children were diagnosed as autistic, their faith in God drives them to show the world that He designed them as awesome.
With that declaration deep seeded and firmly planted in their hearts and minds, they suited up and hit the court. They are game warriors, offensively and defensively ready to “stand in the paint” for their children. These woman are elated by the cheers and unbothered by the boos of the crowd, however small or large.
In basketball a player has three seconds in the zone to take the shot. For these mothers, it takes less than two to be given the diagnosis of their child being autistic. At this point they put one eye on the basket, the other on their opponents and assume the shooting position. The scoreboard is of no significance to them.
Referees blow the whistle to stop play action and call a lane violation infraction. Mothers of autistic children do the same except to a higher degree. They consistently blow the whistle when it comes to the discriminatory, degrading and disrespectful labels placed upon their children. The ball is now in the air.
Fouls are an everyday occurrence for these brave woman but they've learned how to handle them too with class and grace. They were told that their children would be “different.” The mothers responded with, “Everyone is.” They were told their children would be “limited.” The mothers response, “by whom?” And more frequent than not, they were told that their children would be considered “special.” The mothers loudly exclaim, “To God be the glory!” Swoosh, nothing but net.
The game is never over for these amazing women but they play it every day with unrelenting energy, strength and fortitude. Their missions go far beyond the health and welfare of their own children but that of all autistic children, including the implementation of programs to enhance awareness and education related to autism.
For anyone interested in more information about Autism, to volunteer or donate please contact the following foundations: Anita Whitby-Davis at blautisn.com/evesblessings or (850) 264-5116; or Jennifer Leon Owens at chykotana@gmail.com.