Autism Awareness

Friday, April 2, 2010

Autism Awareness Day

Posted By: NATIONAL AUTISM ASSOCIATION INC

To: Members in Think Autism.

World Autism Awareness Day For the many of us who see our loved ones with autism struggle to speak, eat, sleep, communicate, make friends, stay safe, have a conversation, be comfortable, or struggle because they're bullied or mistreated, we want to make sure they have no such struggles throughout their lives, especially when we're gone. Blue has been assigned as the color that symbolizes their struggle, their hope, their state of being--happy or sad. It has also been assigned as the color to make the world stop and ask, "What is autism?" Chances are that years ago we would have wanted to see the color blue light up the Empire State Building, or see blue shirts on anyone who recognizes a day like today. Being surrounded by that color may have given us the opportunity to ask "What is autism" instead of simply hearing the diagnosis, ironically, out of the blue. Better awareness could have led to earlier intervention, which is key. For many, understanding the research could make all the difference. For those who know very little about autism, the color blue could mean a diagnosis at age two rather than age three, or even two-and-a-half. Every second counts. On this World Autism Awareness Day, the recognition of the diagnosis that now affects 1 in 110 will hopefully lead to an earlier diagnosis and even more days of progress, resources, funding and action. It can only serve to keep the issue at the top of the minds of everyone who can make a difference. Many of us are fully aware of autism since we live it and breathe it each day. But for those who do not, today is a day for them to get to know autism, and to understand what our loved ones need so eventually one day they may finally have it. On this day and throughout this month, consider doing one of the following: - Support autism legislation or forward an autism action alert. - Volunteer for one of the many great autism nonprofits or local autism groups. - Do something kind for a family affected by autism. Take them a gift card for groceries, pay for a therapy session, offer to mow a lawn or to babysit, encourage neighbors to lend a helping hand. - Donate to one of the many great autism nonprofits. - Change your profile picture to support autism throughout April. - Tell someone about autism. Seeing the many requests from struggling families, and knowing how low on resources our community truly is, it is our hope that no matter what color you wear today or how you support autism, the world will become more aware and our community will become better equipped. May lots of differences be made today and every day. Keep fighting for it - With continued hope, The NAA Team