Meet Kamp Black
At church a couple of weeks ago I gave a little sharing time to the primary kids (those are kids that are all about Kamp’s age). I decided that I wanted to do it because I noticed them saying things like, “He’s weird.” or “Why does he yell like that?” And since the autism kindergarten class is at the school they all attend - or will attend - I wanted to tell them a little bit about Kamp.
I’m posting it because I thought that maybe it would be helpful to anyone who wants to explain to their kids about kids who are a little different, and how important it is to treat them kindly. So here you go!
My name is Kamp. I’m five-years-old; I have autism. What’s that? Well, autism is a disorder that affects how my brain works. I may be different but I have a lot of great qualities. I am funny; I love Disney movies and riding horses, and of course playing in the dirt. You may not know how to treat me so here are some things I want you to know:
Say, “Hi!” I want to be included just like you. I may be different but I’m a person too. It feels good when people say hi to me, wave, or notice I’m here. I may not wave back but please don’t ignore autistic kids just because they are different.
Talk to me. I may not be able to talk back to you but everyone talks in different ways. Some talk a lot and some don’t talk very much or not at all.
Taking turns. Sometimes I get stuck on what I am doing. I don’t always like to share. I’m still learning; please be patient with me.
Different is okay. How do you spot someone who is autistic? Sometimes you can’t. We usually look like everyone else, but if you spend enough time with me you’ll notice I flap my arms, I yell and jabber, and sometimes it’s really hard for me to sit still.
Five Senses. What are the five senses? Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste and Touch. Some of my senses are really sensitive and I can get a bit overwhelmed. I can see the flicker from flourescent lights that most people don’t notice until the light is about to burn out. I can also hear the constant hum, which can be really irritating. I don’t love loud music and too many colors hurt 
my eyes. I also don’t like very many foods; texture is really important to me. One cool thing about me is I have a really high pain tolerence, so it takes a whole lot to hurt me. I’m pretty tough!
Be a good friend. Please don’t feel sorry for me. I have autism, and I’m ok with who I am. Sometimes I get lonely and wish I knew how to be included, but I don’t. I am a child of our Heavenly Father, too. I can’t help it that I have this body, so please remember that I’m important just like you.
At the end of the presentation, we all sang “I’ll Walk with You“ from the Children’s Song Book.
Oh, Beth. This made me tear up. What a sweet and wonderful lesson to teach little ones. It’s just perfect. My husband and I taught CTR 5 up until Simon was born. We had a darling boy in our class named Seth, who is autistic (he and his family have since moved). I know the other kids had a hard time understanding the things he’d do sometimes. A lesson like this would have been wonderful.
September 17, 2011 at 2:10 am
And the pictures of Kamp are so cute. Love them.
September 17, 2011 at 2:11 am
Beth, that was so beautiful. What a handsome little boy Kamp is. I really enjoyed reading about him and how sweet he is. Isaac my oldest has a best friend that is autistic. His mother, like you wants her son to be included and feel important too. You sure are a great mother and I hope you know what an amazing job you are doing raising such a perfect little spirit. I wish you the best of luck and keep up the great work!
September 17, 2011 at 2:57 am
Oh Beth – you are amazing! I love you! And I love Kamp! Thanks for sharing.
September 17, 2011 at 3:15 am
I love that song. It always makes me cry. I LOVED that talk. I think you should right a book for children . RIGHT NOW!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!
September 17, 2011 at 3:37 am
and I know how to spell “write”. I am tired!
September 17, 2011 at 3:38 am
I enjoyed reading about Kamp. I can relate to your story 100%! We have a five years old son who is also Autistic.
Please visit my site/bog (new to this blogging thing), where try to increase Autism Awareness thru’ poems as seen thru his eyes.
http://jacquirose17.wordpress.com
My favorite line: “Please don’t feel sorry for me. I have Autism and I’m ok with who I am.”
This is exactly how we feel.
September 17, 2011 at 3:41 am
Beth- you are so amazing. Kamp is one lucky duck to have you for his mom. In fact, I just may join the family
September 17, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Dear Beth and Jesse… I am sure that I will forever be touched by your ability to parent Kamp..Both of you are so very special; I cannot begin to say how awesome it is to not only know you but to say that you are in our family. Thanks for this beautiful introduction to your son’s journey. Much love, aunt deb
September 18, 2011 at 7:02 pm
I love this Beth. It is a good reminder to teach our kids that different is okay! I admire you so much, keep these posts coming! And let’s get together sometime!
Emily (Gillett) Olsen
September 20, 2011 at 4:30 am