Today is April 2, world Autism Awareness Day.
The day that most everyone in the autism community displays the colour BLUE in some way, shape or form.
You’ll see the Autism Speaks logo everywhere
Perhaps because I live it everyday. There is NO need for awareness where I live. We are very aware.
I think most people are.
If you are not affected by autism personally, you likely know someone who is.
If you do not, you will. And based on the numbers, it won’t be long.
According to the Autism Speaks website autism affects 1 in 88 children, 1 in 54 boys.
From 2006 to 2012 there was a reported 78% increase.
If you’ve read this then you have just now been made aware of that fact.
So I pose the question: HOW IS THIS OK?
I feel like I should be out there on the front lines, shouting from mountain tops, advocating for all of these children and all of their families.
But I can’t. I need to advocate daily for my son, my family.
Sometimes it’s all I can do to just get through one day.
Some days every single interaction with him is a struggle.
Yet there are some days where I can’t believe my tremendous fortune that I’m his mother.
So while today I wear blue for my boy, it doesn’t change anything about our life.
If today brings awareness about this disorder then that is a very good thing.
If I can bring awareness about this disorder, then I have done a good thing.
I put it out there every year – please ask if you have any questions. I am more than willing to answer. I am more than happy to enlighten.
(Please remember that Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum is available today. And my contest to win a copy closes today!)
Hey Christine
Your absolutely right it’s good to raise awareness. But we know what’s it like when you have a child that’s been diagnosed on the Spectrum. The whole family is affected by it. Not just the child. The awareness I want to raise is that people that don’t know or affected by it. Don’t realize how costly it is for ABA therapy or IBI. It’s the cost involved in paying for the qualified therapists. And of course the Dam Government does not want to fund kids, that with some help and proper education they can learn to live a more independent life. Or at least we hope. So I feel bad for those young kids that are denied help and because parents that can’t afford private have no choice but to wait and see what happens. Those are my thoughts of the day!
Love the pic with the tie!!! So cute! I think people are aware but still SO uneducated about autism. I think many live in a ‘whew it’s not my family’ bubble. I hope one day there won’t be a need for this day…
I think today gives me and my family a chance to show we are here as part of your extended team. Rachel and I will always remember how beautifully empathetic Cuy was with Rachel’s best friend when she was upset at her gymnastic party (he was our support that day). And no matter how crappy my day may be, I can’t help but smile when Cuy greets me with a smile and “Hi Patrick!” You are a great resource and support to others (not just when it comes to Autism) and today as you raise more awareness I hope you become aware of the extended support team in your life.