Autism Made Me A…….
Since it was Father’s Day this past Sunday, comedian Jim Carrey’s “autism made a man out of me” (versus a guy of this sort?) remark—reportedly uttered earlier this month at the Green Our Vaccines rally—seemed quite well-timed. Raising Charlie has certainly been a transforming and affirming experience for me, though somehow saying “autism made a woman out of me” doesn’t have quite that, ah, ring. While taking care of Charlie has changed me a lot, one lesson I’ve learned over and over is that much that I’ve previously learned—like how to play the piano—has been hugely important in being Charlie’s mother.
Anyways, while contemplating “what makes a man,” autism, fatherhood, parenthood, mom-hood, gender, etc., etc., this song seems appropriate.
Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, disabilities blog, Family, family blog, good morning america, jenny mccarthy, jim carrey, mulan, Parenting, pdd-nos
6 opinions for Autism Made Me A…….
Cliff
Jun 16, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Even as a guy, that kind of notion annoys the heck out of me. I don’t think you’ll find a more elitist clique than that of “real men”; really, it one’s of those, perhaps of only one, that has no membership at the end of the day.
Cliff
M
Jun 16, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Autism made me a sandwich. Thank you autism.
Shash
Jun 16, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Autism Made Me an Advocate…and a better parent and teacher. Believe it.
Sad I am not going to BlogHer. REALLY wanted to see you again!…
Shash
Susan E
Jun 16, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Great post, Kristina. I don’t honestly know what autism made me, but Kim’s post made me cry. See you soon!!!
Shawn3k
Jun 17, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Jonah’s theme song, ever since he got him diddy-bopping to it on video at a year old, has been “Salsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel. I find the lyrics especially poignant in regards to my son!
http://www.hotlyrics.net/lyrics/P/Peter_Gabriel/Salsbury_Hill.html
The Wearing of Something Not So Green
Jul 5, 2008 at 9:56 pm
[…] Our Vaccines rally and putting on a Green Our Vaccines t-shirt. Autism, as Carrey said, “made me a man“—-certainly enough, it seems, recently to suit up in some quite feminine beach attire, […]
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