Autism is a Burrito (Part I)...

Autism is a Burrito.

Don’t get me wrong, I take autism and those affected by autism very seriously. I dedicated my graduate studies to the applied research of treating the symptoms of autism in school settings. Throughout my graduate experience, I sought employment in early intervention programs and clinical settings specializing in the treatment of autism. 

Along the way, I also picked up on other curious and high-incidence childhood issues such as bullying, ADHD, and conduct problems. 

I began to gain state and local attention for my service in special education supporting parental involvement in school-wide efforts to prevent bullying. Around the same time, my graduate professors provided me with an incredible amount of exposure and experience by creating and contributing to the Superheroes Social Skills program. They allowed me to participate as a multi-media coordinator, author, and illustrator. This program is now widely distributed to a variety of settings and continues to receive national acclaim. On the opening pages of the Superheroes Program, we dedicated all of our work to the children and families affected by autism. 

So, when I say, “Autism is a burrito,” I guess I want you to humor me. I also want to get your attention. 

For anybody remotely familiar with autism and/or autism advocacy, a single puzzle piece has become the symbol for autism. While I love and appreciate the puzzle piece, I think it’s done it’s job. I think the majority of people now know that autism is puzzling. I think the majority of people understand that we need more pieces of the puzzle to help those affected by autism. 

So, good job, puzzle piece! Keep up the good work! 

Now, I’d like to introduce the burrito. My "burrito analogy" will be explained in two parts. 

Part I:

The burrito comes in all shapes and sizes. The contents of the burrito share some general ingredients, but there is no specified order to this content. The content is actually pretty random. It all depends on how the burrito was made.

The most fascinating part of the burrito is that it has layers on the inside! Here’s the basic structure of a burrito:

1. Tortilla. This is the “outer layer.” The tortilla is unique and holds all of the ingredients inside. The tortilla can be hard or soft. Sometimes it is fried. (You can never tell what's inside the burrito by just looking at the tortilla.)
2. Inside the tortilla, there is usually some sort of sauce (e.g., spicy, medium, mild).
3. Also inside the tortilla are some “fixings” (e.g., cheese, guacamole, rice, beans, tomatoes, etc.) 
4. Finally, deep inside the tortilla there is usually some sort of meat (Chicken, Beef, Pork, Fish)

The structure of the burrito is very important. If you try and take apart the burrito’s layers separately, it gets messy. Burritos are designed to be consumed as a whole. Burritos are more satisfying when you take them on as they are. 

Once you’ve accepted the burrito’s contents, prepare yourself to enjoy. The burrito may surprise you! Where you thought there would be more lettuce, you find tomato. Where you thought there would be more cheese, you find sour cream. Burritos are jam-packed with surprises! Never judge a burrito by the first bite (pun sort of intended). 

Some folks will tell you that the burrito only belongs on certain platters. That’s just not the case! Burritos can thrive with multiple sides such as pico de gallo, rice and beans, chips and salsa, you name it! Burritos just need to be accepted and then, the platters can be organized accordingly. 

This doesn’t mean that burritos don’t require care and a lot of preparation. It is important that we prepare the burrito and those that will work with the burrito. For instance, don’t label a burrito as “spicy” if it’s contents are mild. Provide a clear menu with stated facts and observations about the burrito. Avoid defining your burrito by a single ingredient. Instead, be clear that there are a number of flavors that contribute to the burrito. Experts may offer their opinions, but don’t let them dictate how you enjoy the burrito. 

It must be noted, however, that burritos are not for everybody. Burritos may be an acquired taste. You must understand that the burrito is a very large meal and requires your full commitment. Not everyone should be required to enjoy burritos, but they should at least tolerate the fact that burritos exist. Burritos are real and burritos can be complicated. 

Burritos can also be messy. It is a good idea to “freshen up” after spending some time with a burrito. There’s no need to feel guilty about getting tired of burritos. It’s important that you let folks know that you need a break from burritos every now and then. In contrast, some folks can become obsessed with burritos. (This only results in bloating and an excess of hot air.)

It is also a good idea to enjoy burritos with folks that like burritos, too! Take time to get to know other folks that understand burritos. Let them tell you all about their favorite varieties! Feel free to share recipes that make burritos better! Share your thoughts on the various ingredients!

Now, it has been my experience that some of the most wonderful burritos come smothered with a special sauce--Something extra! You can enjoy burritos just as they are, but when folks add their own little something extra--lookout! The burrito can exceed your wildest expectations. 

(Up Next: "Part II" Now that you're hungry, listen-up...")