Autism Awareness Month-Blah!!

Don't be fooled by the title. Autism is a very serious thing in my home. Every month is autism awareness month here.
I have two boys with this diagnosis (10yrs old and 5yrs old). And even though they are higher functioning (they are not Aspies though), I get to see kids who are not, every day. These kids are all beautiful, and very challenging. They require and deserve special, TRAINED, educators in a safe and caring environment.
I am not one of those parents who wants their kids with "typical"kids. I like the fact that my 10yr old is in a class of 6. That he is in a special school with maybe, at most, 55 other kids. I like the fact that my child is not around "typical" kids. The kids in his class are not cliquish. They are not bullies. They do not intentionally cause physical harm to others. They all help and look out for each other, whether with Voices or actions. They don't care what brand sneakers they have on or what designer made their clothes. All they care about is whether the tag on their shirt is irritating or their sneakers have laces or Velcro ( this is a big thing to my son- he hates tying his shoes)
Their day is structured differently. My son has different therapies spaced throughout the day, and most of his academics have therapies intertwined.
My 10yr old is almost 2 yrs behind academically then his peers. But put a computer in front of him, and he could probably teach you how to hack into the school's system. He tries to socialized with kids his own age, but they call him "weird", "strange" and someone dared to call him "stupid" in front of me.
My 5 yr old is lovable, and fearless. He is home-schooled right now. His day is much like his brothers, except I'm the one trying to mix therapy and schoolwork. He goes to speech and OT(occupational therapy)just like his brother. He is also about 2 yrs behind, but emotionally, not academically. And just like his brother, tries to be social. They both are trying to fit into a world that does not make sense to them and vice- versa.
So what do I want You as the reader, to get from this rant? Here goes the educational part :)

Children with autism require patience and tolerance.

Children with autism will Not Grow Out of It. But some of their delays Might get better with intense therapy.

Children with autism need specially Educated and Trained teachers AND Aides.

Children with autism(and ANY special need)need the parents of "Typical" children to set an example of how to treat those who are DIFFERENT then them.

Parents of children with autism want a cure, sure, but we would rather have services to help our kids NOW! I don't care how they became afflicted, they have it, its done and over with. I want to help them flourish and become the best that they can be when they become adults. Because reality is, I'm not always going to be there to take care of them. I need to know that A: they are independent enough to survive on their own. Or B: there is a loving, caring place for them that can take over for my husband and myself when we are no longer here.

And here is a BIGGIE, so pay very close attention-

Parents of Children with autism need people to stop offering discipline advice. You see me trying to calm
My kid down while we are in the middle of a rage cycle- either help me calm him down so he can't hurt himself and others or keep walking. I don't need your advice on how I'm using the wrong tone with my kid, While I'm trying to calm him down. When he is like that- he can't hear me, he can't rationalize what is going on. Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I've had LOTS of practice- almost 30 yrs worth ( one of my siblings is also on the spectrum).

So I hope I've been helpful. I hope I've given you something to think about as you go on with your daily life. I'd tell you to go hug a Autie- but you might get decked by them!!