Under the Rubble

Dedicated to all parents in the autism / special needs trenches battling for help for their child.  May you all be heard when you cry.

Under the Rubble

Piles and piles of concrete, debris and dust cover you and your child and you can't move.  You can't see.  You feel a tremendous weight all around you.  You can't do anymore than just yell as loud as you can for help.  You can't move enough to help save your child.  You can't see well enough to know if they're ok. 

You hear rescuers walking all around the rubble.  You hear equipment, you see glimmers of light shifting around moving debris.  You know they're out there! People that can help you!  People that can save you and make a difference.

You yell and yell and yell and do everything you can to be heard.  You make yourself as loud as you can for the sake of helping your child.  Surely they'll stop moving about their jobs long enough to listen for you.  Surely after a while they'll realize that they had to listen in order to know where your cries are coming from?  Surely, if they hear you they will choose the right tools to save both of you?

Now the weight becomes heavier all around your child.  They've still not heard even one scream.  If they'd just listen you could direct them to your child.  You could tell them what they've got to see in order to help you.  They've worked hard and used so many tools but until they stop and listen they will never find your child.

Wait....you stop yelling to listen.  It's quiet now.  You rejoice in your heart because that means they are trying to listen for your voice!  You yell again with all your strength.  Nothing.  No more noise, no more tools, no talking.....and no more listening.  They've given up.  They think they've done their job.  Through a tiny crevice you can see them gathering.  You can hear them discussing how hard they worked and what good they did for the other people pulled from the rubble. 

The tools have been packed up, the rescuers have gone home to their families.  You and your child are still here trapped under the rubble to deep to be heard. 

If you are in a position to listen.....really listen.....to a special needs parent, be sure you listen with all your heart and use  the  tools that they suggest.  Their instructions may not make sense to you, but it is they who are trapped and only they know which direction they can move.

Don't leave it to someone else.... You may be the only rescuer that heard their cries.