She Is More Than a Label

Something that people may not be aware of, unless you have a family member with a disability, is how much harder our families work to “even the playing field.”

The phone calls, the emails, the meetings, the appointments, the therapy, the rearranging of schedules, the accommodations, the constant fight for “fair.”

It is consuming and exhausting.

My name is Elissa, and I have two little girls. My oldest, Aleena, is 5 and in kindergarten. My youngest, Lexi, is 3 and is in daycare/preschool. Lexi also has autism.

Though Lexi is autistic, autism is not the quality that defines her.

There are so many endearing qualities about Lexi. Many of these can not be seen on paper.

How she smiles, how she squeals when it is time for a story.

How she laughs from her gut when she plays with her sister.

How happy she is when she looks at bugs.

How she talks out of the side of her mouth when she recites “Chicka Chicka, Boom Boom.”

How her face lights up when she sees the moon.

How she stamps her feet with excitement when you tell her it is time to go outside and play.

The list goes on and on.

These wonderful qualities are evident after spending five minutes with her. Her joy can not be denied. But, when Lexi is presented on paper, there are three blinding letters…

ASD.

Yes, Lexi has autism, but autism is not who she is.

To know Lexi and all the joy that bubbles out of her, you have to meet her. She is amazing. And I’ll be damned if these three letters written on paper stand in the way of her successes.

Lexi has autism, but her label is not who she is.

Written by Elissa McFarland of Life with Lexi