Much more than Autism

I've never been a person who likes labels. I'm always uncomfortable when people introduce themselves as a label. For instance "hi, I'm Cassandra, I'm a mother" ooookkkkk does that mean I'm nothing else? lately, I've noticed many mothers introduce their children as being Autistic. I'm always puzzled by this because when there is a label put on the child they begin 2believe thats all thats expected of them. 2be Autistic and nothing else!
Malik is so much more 2me. He was 1st&foremost a child of love! he followed with being a beautiful baby boy, he then went on 2become a smart, well mannered, bookreading, basketball&playstation playing, Mcdonald frenchfry eating, nascar watching curious young man!
He can't be sumed up n only those descriptions above, Malik continues 2change. He learns and does more each &everyday ! it's really amazing 2me. I feel it would be a disservice 2him if I only described him as being Autistic. Its just a condition! it does not define him !
After Malik had been at Birch 4 about a year I remember one morning after drop off spending more time than usual n his class. I was surprised at all the things he was doing n school. I'll admit, Malik has always been a spoiled child! and, when he was diagnosed I never thought he would be able 2function so called "normally" but, after seeing him at Birch, I thought 2myself I had unconsciously put restrictions on him because of his disability. I expected nothing from him and that's exactly what I got. Needless 2say when I saw him feeding himself, and putting toys back in their place, sitting still at storytime and participating with the story along with the other kids I knew Malik could flourish just like any other kid.
Fast forward some years and at 14, Malik is still spoiled ! he gets away with more than most kids but, my thinking is not restricted by his disabiltiy anymore I expect so much more from him and he knows it. If I tell him 2do something he knows I expect it 2be done. Like most things changing ur thinking process takes time but, it can be done. So, please challenge urself & ur children 2the fullest of their potential u'll be surprised and learn like I have ur kids r so much more. They r ur pride &joy, ur sons/daughters so much more than the label of Autism!