My name is Julie. I am married to my best friend and the greatest guy ever Mike. We have a beautiful 7 year old autistic son named Daron whom we both adore. Both of them make my world complete. I lived in Ohio up until I turned 13, then we moved out here to Washington after my grandpa died to take care of my grandma. She passed away in 2002 right after Daron was born.
I have made many friends in this state, some lasted, most didn't. The ones who did though have made my life what it is today. Not to mention the newset friends I have gained this year alone. For them, I am truly grateful.
I don't tolerate being disrespected or ignored very well. I treat others with the same respect I get from them. I can't help it of you don't like me, but I won't pretend it doesn't bother me. I have a few TRUE forever friends, several from way back in my Ohio elementary school days (you know who you are) that i haven't seen in years. Thank God for myspace lol. I would be classified an introvert, but I think I can be more outgoing than people believe me to be. I love making new friends, but it's hard for me to make the first move. I have my family. My life is great. What more could I ask for?
God has been the one who has given me this happiness. Mike and Daron are my gifts from God. Both came at a time when I needed them the most but I didn't even realize it at the time. I love them with all my heart and thank God everyday for giving them to me.
I am thrilled to say that my son is progressing so fast, and is so very very smart. I love watching him learn new things and it amazes me everyday how fascinated he is with math. If only I were that lucky when I was in school...lol. Obviously he takes after his dad in that area. :) Mike is quite the unique character. I can honestly say I have never met ANYONE like him before. He always makes me laugh and I love him so much!
mike and the geese

See?
I feel very strongly about Autism Awareness, but many advocates might be surprised by my views. I don't believe it's an "epidemic" as many people believe. To call it an epidemic implies that it's something bad. I'm also not searching for a cure. I don't think that's what these research organizations should be focusing on. I believe Autism is just a different way of functioning. It may be classified as a disability, and yes, some of the symptoms may cause problems for these individuals to function in our neurotypical society. But honestly, how typical is our society anyway? (There are those who SHOULD be classified as being mentally disabled simply based on their everyday rudeness and selfishness and disregard for fellow humans.) There are so many different types of people with so many types of personalities and abilities that who are we to say what is normal or not? Since Autism is rapidly becoming more recognized throughout the world, it shouldn't come as a shock to anyone to see a child with ASD having a meltdown in a store or freaking out because you talk to them. Do you scowl at someone having a seizure because they're "causing a scene?" Do you send a dirty look to a woman in a wheelchair who is having trouble getting through the checkout line in the store? Or do you tell her to hurry up? No, you don't. Do we push past a guy who is blind and walks with a cane and tell him he needs to watch where he's going? No, we do not. So why do people scowl at a person who won't respond to your conversation or look you in the eye? Why do we feel the need to offer admonitions to a parent who is struggling with her child who can't handle a social situation? What this world needs more than anything is a little patience and understanding. Whether you know the person has a disability or not, we need to exhibit some patience and kindness.

I make t-shirts to sell, a lot of them are for Autism Awareness which is something I obviously feel VERY strongly about. There are lots of different lines you can check out to see if you like them at
Jewel's Designs