National Autism Awareness Month
I have been discussing it for the past few weeks and now it is finally here, today is April 1 and marks the beginning of National Autism Awareness Month. Let’s start off with looking at exactly what awareness means. The American Heritage Dictionary defines awareness as:
Having knowledge or cognizance
So National Autism Awareness Month would have a goal of spreading knowledge or cognizance of autism. There are many public agencies, both in the United States and across the world, that are taking the time to help spread awareness of autism. As mentioned last night VH1 Classic’s Rock Autism website has launched; additionally Toys R Us has their campaign in stores and online to help raise funds for Autism Speaks as well as raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders. More information on the various agencies within the United States helping raise awareness can be found on the Mindless Mommy Autism site.
I have done a few things to raise awareness. I am a member of several online message board communities ranging from parenting to gaming to automobiles. I have made it a point to post a bit about April being Autism Awareness Month as well as some basic information about autism and how it affects my daughter, specifically. I have received nothing but positive feedback from everyone which is wonderful. Take a few minutes this month to spread awareness in your own way, the more people are aware of it now the easier the future may be for our children.
April 5th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
I just found your website, and intend to be a regular reader! My son is also 3 well 3 1/2 now and though I am unsure if he is autistic, I know in my heart he has a sensory processing disorder - though no one else seems to believe me or want to investigate further!
Right now he’s in preschool where he should be getting services, but they refuse to give him OT (they say he has no SID and will not treat him for it) and a HUGE amount of speech at only 15 minutes a WEEK!
Advocating for our kids and knowing how is soo hard! I am a single mom who also has an 8 year old and work at home so I can be with my son full time!
Not only is advocating hard but finding others for support is also hard!
Thank you for your blog and I am going to become a regular reader!
April 5th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Thank you for your thoughtful response Jennifer, I hope you enjoy the blog. The state of the school systems varies so much across the country it really is sad. When my daughter was first assessed through the school’s OT they said she had problems but not enough to warrant OT. I took her for a private evaluation and brought an 18 page report back in to the school.
You are so right with regards to advocating for our children. I have learned so much since my daughter started preschool in October. I would love to be an advocate resource once I have a few years experience under my belt; helping other parents navigate the system would be very rewarding.