We are an ‘Ausome’ family residing in the Pacific Northwest. I (Dad) started this Blog just after Jonah was diagnosed with Autism (non-verbal) in 2016. As we got more involved in the ‘special needs’ community, we were made aware that Jonny’s specific flavor of ‘Ausome’ is actually a part of a rare condition called Kabuki Syndrome.
Why “A Touch of Ausome?”
Originally, it was just “Awesome + autistic.”
But we have adapted “AUSOME” to refer to ANYTHING related to our parenting journey. Our specific ‘brand’ of parenthood..
Before my son was diagnosed, I saw “autism” through the stereotypical lens of the media. Autism was something to fear. Something I could “accept” in others, but not something I would ever wish on my children.
Through my own personal parenting journey of self-discovery, I have found that my son’s neurology is a huge part of what makes him who he is. And even with all the difficulties, I love that part of him.
I use “Ausome,” because not everyone would see it the same way as I do now. They haven’t gone on that parenting journey. And even those who have may see it differently.
They may not see ‘autism’ as ‘awesome.’ And that’s their journey. They have their own story.
But for me personally?
I don’t just “accept” my ‘autistic’ child. I celebrate my AUSOME son, and I genuinely believe the world needs more people just like him.
JASON (AKA "DADDY") & MAMA
Jason is a “work from home” graphic designer. He is also responsible for the publishing of this blog. When not venting about parenting, working, or blogging, he will probably be parenting, working, or blogging.
Mama works full time as an ICU nurse at a local hospital. When she is home, she enjoys spending time with the little guys and super-stealthy ninja “lurking” on Daddy’s posts.
JONNY & JONAH
Jonny was born with (we suspect) Kabuki Syndrome, a 1 in 32,000 diagnosis. Kabuki syndrome is a rare, multisystem disorder characterized by multiple abnormalities including distinctive facial features, growth delays, varing degrees of intellectual disability, skeletal abnormalities, autistic-like features, and short stature.
Jonah was diagnosed with Autism, a 1 in 44 diagnosis as of 2021, when he was 3 years old. At the time, he was completely non-verbal. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.