How Autism Affects You/ Autism Awareness

Before our son Cody was born, my husband, Don, and I knew nothing about autism. Because Cody had a physical disability (blind), we focused on dealing with and learning about visual impairment.  It wasn't until Cody went to a special education preschool that Don and I were first exposed to a child with autism. It was much later, in the early '90's, when we learned that autism is a spectrum disorder and we decided to have Cody evaluated (see this post).

I am very passionate about autism awareness because it affects my family and the following examples show how it affects you too ... 

• Your child will have a classmate with autism. 
• You will have a co-worker with ASD. 
• You will have a student in your classroom on the spectrum. 
• Your tax dollars will be spent on early education programs and special ed.
• You will have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, cousin or neighbor with autism. 

I'm not trying to be Mrs. Doom and Gloom, just keeping it real. Here are some facts about autism that everyone should know...

Autism affects 1 in 88 children and in Utah, where I live, it affects 1 in 47! 

Boys are 5 times more likely than girls to have autism.

Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States and a global health crisis.

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. Many families and businesses will be Lighting Up Blue to help raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  Please consider participating by wearing blue, lighting up the exterior of your home, and/or donating. Toys R Us, T.J. Maxx, Joe's Crab Shack and Dollar General have all supported autism awareness in years past. Whenever you see the Autism Speaks logo, consider donating. Your money will go to a much needed cause!

To learn more about autism and the Light It Up Blue campaign, please watch the video below.

April 2, 2013 is World Autism Awareness Day. Join Autism Speaks in Lighting Up Blue.

This Week Only! Buy a Shirt, Help Provide Communication Therapy to a Child with Autism

Imagine being unable to express your thoughts and feelings, or being a parent to a child who is unable to communicate their wants and needs. This is a reality for thousands of families affected by autism.

For many children with autism, therapeutic technology plays a vital role in developing communication skills. This week your support provides families of children with autism the tools, resources, and therapy to unlock a child’s voice, allowing them to communicate with their family for the first time.

This week only, Sevenly will triple their donation for every purchase to Autism Speaks. Click on One Week. One Cause. to learn more.

Source: sevenly.org via Vicki on Pinterest

Light It Up Blue and Raise Autism Awareness

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd this year and I am encouraging my readers to Light It Up Blue. Even if you do not have anyone with autism in your home, more than likely you know someone who does.

Please watch the short video. It is to the point and will take less than two minutes of your time. Then, go to Lowes or Home Depot or your favorite hardware store and buy a blue light bulb.




Autism Spectrum Disorder is on the rise. Let's do our part to raise awareness.

Etnies and Autism Speaks

I was looking at shoes online and learned that Etnies, a brand my boys have worn for years, has teamed up with Autism Speaks. Please take a moment and look at the "Autism Speaks" shoes on etnies.com. A portion of the proceeds of Etnies Autism Speaks Collection will be donated to Autism Speaks to help raise awareness, fund autism research and develop resources and treatments for those on the spectrum.

I also encourage you to watch a short video on Etnies Blog about the co-branded footwear.



These shoes would make terrific gifts for Christmas. I know Cody will be getting at least one pair from Santa.

Go Etnies!!!