Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events. Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States, affecting 1 in 68 children.
Chances are good that you know someone who has autism. This April 2, support and celebrate the children and families around you and help spread awareness and understanding about autism. #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #LIUB
- Wear blue.
- Get a manicure and pedicure with blue nail polish. Add white puzzle piece symbol if possible.
- Buy blue light bulbs for your outdoor house fixtures (available at many Lowe's, Target, and The Home Depot locations).
- Learn the facts about autism. More understanding equals more tolerance and compassion.
- Host or attend a One Hope Wine Tasting Party and designate the Autism Society as the beneficiary for part of the proceeds. Every 10 cases of ONEHOPE Cabernet sold funds ABA therapy for one child with autism.
- If you're the type of person who likes to pray, say a prayer for compassion and tolerance for individuals with autism and all their caregivers.
- Be an advocate. Write a letter to your local school board in support of autism education, or thank your special ed staff at your child's school.
- Be an amazing neighbor or friend. Invite a family with a child with autism over for a playdate or to your next party. Help the family with yard work, make them a meal, or take them out for dessert.
- Autism teaches us to live in the moment, so seize the day! Go for a walk and stomp in some mud puddles.
- Perhaps most importantly, stand up and speak out. If you overhear someone saying something inconsiderate about autism (or any disability), please speak up.
In an open letter to all, Macaroni Mom Stacey explains:
The problem in trying to get society to grasp the full concept of autism is the fact it is not like any other diagnosis. The most common misconception by parents or adults is that children with autism simply lack discipline. They confuse a “melt-down” caused by sensory overload with bad behavior or a temper tantrum. You can be helpful just by not passing judgment, or making rude comments, and instead offering a helping hand. When a child is in the midst of a melt-down, we are overwhelmed and sometimes extremely embarrassed.
Some children, like my son, are considered high functioning. My son has a very large vocabulary for his age and is academically advanced, even considered gifted. When people see my son initially, he looks normal. It is not until he attempts to have a conversation with you that you will notice his articulation is difficult.
As in most cases, children with a disability are eager to please ... which lends itself to kids taking advantage of them. It is heartbreaking to hear your child tell you he has no friends and kids call him names, run away, or ignore him and pretend he is not there. His ultimate goal is no different from that of any "normal" child. He wants to be liked. He wants to be accepted. At the end of the day, he feels alone. Aside from his family, very few will give him the opportunity to allow him to be a part of their world.
As in most cases, children with a disability are eager to please ... which lends itself to kids taking advantage of them. It is heartbreaking to hear your child tell you he has no friends and kids call him names, run away, or ignore him and pretend he is not there. His ultimate goal is no different from that of any "normal" child. He wants to be liked. He wants to be accepted. At the end of the day, he feels alone. Aside from his family, very few will give him the opportunity to allow him to be a part of their world.
Every child needs social interaction and friends. We as a society need to be more accepting of others and to allow others to be individuals. To welcome each other as we are and not expect others to conform to the way we think, feel, or act. As adults, parents, teachers, doctors, or care-givers, it is our responsibility to teach our children to be more accepting of each other. As citizens of the world, it is our responsibility to set the example of mutual respect and acceptance.
Please ... when you are at the park and notice someone is playing alone, encourage your child to be a friend, to ask the child who seems "different" to come play, and to get to know them. That small act could convey some of the most valuable lessons you can teach a child: acceptance, kindness, and generosity.
