So we’re into the first week of Autism Awareness Month. It’s been great around here. We went to Niagara Falls this weekend where they lit it up blue on Saturday night. I watched it from our hotel room while Scotty watched Kermit on his computer and Satan (aka Will) slept in the other room. Last night was AA night at the Air Canada Centre during the Leafs game. The Leafs went down but history was made. It was the first weeknight in the history of the ACC that they sold out the 50/50 draw tickets!
There has been some very cool media attention as well. On Friday, I was home sick and I watched The Talk on CBS. Holly Robinson Peete is one of the hosts and her son has autism. I want you to watch the beginning of her clip and listen to the stats she gives. Then I DARE you not to feel outraged. I dare you.
One in every 110 children. More children affected by autism than cancer, aids and diabetes combined yet only 5% of research dollars goes towards autism.
How is this okay?
It’s not. I’m not trying to be melodramatic but say that stat to yourself a few times. It’s shocking.
Many people ask me ‘how did you guys know something was wrong with Scotty?’. Well – listen to Holly at about the three minute mark. Listen to her talking about missing out on one entire year of intervention because she didn’t trust her gut. Then I would say to you – ‘my sister just knew’ – and she didn’t stop until she got answers. Trust your gut.
Remember – this April, support Autism Speaks and buy a $1 puzzle piece everytime you go to Toys”R”Us or Babies”R”Us and show your support.
it’s so frustrating to have someone else tell you that your instincts are wrong. i didn’t realize the stats that she spoke about. that’s quite frightening!
Love the gut instinct in all of us.
This one in 110 is shocking. The list this couple was given was a devastating list. I don’t believe in limitations and love to see others act the same way.
great post Sara (mom of Satan)
Autism Speaks had a big blue ad in Times Square…It was one of the first ads I noticed!!
thanks for this Sara – you guys rock! More definitely needs to be done!
“Trust the experts”
I always tell people (dr’s, school board, therapists) that they are the professionals – but I am his expert.
Nobody knows him better than I do. I have felt that way from day one – which is what I think gave me the strength to question many of them and get second opinions.
I knew.
I started using the “A” word when he was 11 mos old.
It was terribly frustrating feeling like I had to convince people (spouse, family, professionals). It wasn’t something I wanted or was looking for.
It was just something I knew.
I thank god that I followed and trusted my instincts and got our diagnosis when he was 2.
We find remediation programs the same way. We’ve just trusted the ones that we felt were the best fit for us and out family. Most have been off the beaten path and have worked very well.
I parent all my kids from my gut and it has yet to fail me.
Mother’s intuition is SO powerful but we are constantly told to “trust the experts” which means ignore your gut. I have heard this type of story SO often related to Autism and other things. Great post, Sarah. Thanks for educating us!