New, Disturbing Stats About Autism

The Centers for Disease Control have released new data about autism in the United States. Now 1 in 68 children are on the autism spectrum and 1 in 42 of them are boys! This is alarming to me on several accounts, but here are two in particular: #1- My children are at the age where they ARE or WILL BE starting families of their own. For obvious reasons, just the idea that my children could have to raise a child on the spectrum sends me right over the edge.  #2- I am nearly 50 years old and still caring for my son with autism, something Rep. Chris Smith from New Jersey addressed to the House of Representatives back in 2011. He said, "As aging parents can no longer take care of their children and are worried they don't have that many years left on earth, they are frightened about what happens to their beloved child, we need the aging out issue to be addressed and we need it now." 
(Please read  I May Never Be an Empty Nester to learn more about how I feel regarding this issue.)

I don't know what the answer is to this growing health crisis, but I do know that I can help by raising awareness. April is Autism Awareness Month and April 2, is Light It Up Blue. There are a couple of simple ways you can help. Make a donation to Autism Speaks and/or purchase blue light bulbs from your local Home Depot or hardware store and light up your home this coming Wednesday. Let's all be proactive in this fight against autism.

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.

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.