Why Autism Awareness Isn’t Enough

Mama Love struggles quietly as JoJo melts down in public — a real moment that too many autism families know all too well.

I’m writing this not just as a creator or advocate, but as a mom who’s tired.

Tired of the looks. The comments. The assumptions.

Autism awareness may have a month on the calendar, but for families like mine — it’s every single day.

And the truth is, we’re still not seen. Not fully.

I’ve found myself avoiding parks, birthday parties, even quick store runs — because the public doesn’t see autism the way we live it.

People say things like “He’s just being a kid,” or “You should teach him better manners,” not knowing that my son is trying *so hard* to hold it together.

That’s not just a tantrum. That’s a sensory overload.

What we need is not pity. It’s patience.

Not sympathy. But inclusion.

Not more puzzle logos. But real representation and space for our children to be themselves without judgment.

That’s why I created Kawaii Spectrum — not just for my kids, but for every mom who feels like she has to hide because the world doesn’t understand.

We need more than awareness. We need safe places to breathe, play, and *be*.