The rainbow has more value than the gold

As the light breaks through the clouds, one storm ends to reveal a spectrum of light… so beautiful, so magical… a rainbow.

Some would say that a rainbow hides something golden, at it’s end… but I argue that it shows us something golden before it’s end.

A golden treasure never found has no value. Even if it could be found, it has the potential to change, corrupt and even destroy a person’s life. Those without such riches are seldom ready for their burden without first taking the time to earn them.

If you have not learned what you have not earned, you are doomed to lose it.

A rainbow is never hidden. It’s value has no consequence. You need not earn a rainbow to appreciate it or enjoy it. You run no risk of ever losing it.

A rainbow can be enjoyed by all so long as they take the time to stop for a moment. It’s beauty is right in front of you.

How does this relate to Autism?

Well, we’ve all heard the comparison between the Autism Spectrum and a rainbow… but in this case, it’s so much more than that.

A rainbow is what is right in front of you, your child. The quirks, the imperfections, the repetitions, the frustrations, difficulties, the precious moments, the wonderful times… everything.

Perhaps that rainbow is hiding a pot of gold but what is it’s true value? Some hugs? Some kisses? Loss of speech? It’s actually so much more than that. It could be the requirements that person needs to have an independent life.

But the gold is nothing more than abilities, skills, experiences…  while valuable to you and I, have no real value to someone that’s never found them. They can be very overwhelming and even destructive when forced on someone that’s never had them before.

Don’t look beyond the rainbow in search of gold. Don’t look beyond the Autism in search of an ability or skill.

Your child is right in front of you and you could miss it while searching for something golden inside them.

The rainbow that is right in front of you has far more value than the gold that you’re trying to find.

What a privilege to be here on the planet to contribute your unique donation to humankind. Each face in the rainbow of colors that populate our world is precious and special.
Morris Dees

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