References
Autism (Wikipedia discussion)
Autism Society of America (Wikipedia discussion)
Autism Society -- Improving the Lives of All Affected by Autism (Main Site)
Autism Awareness Month (Google search)
1. Purpose
To raise public awareness of this sad plight for many, to widen appreciation for the progress being made, to increase our general sense of what remains to be done, and to open opportunities (we might have missed) where we may be able to assist rather than hinder. Good information tends to do these things.
2. A Rationale
There are so many worthy causes that pull on our heartstrings. So much to be done, so little time. But, we need not do everything in every area. Who can seriously expect that from any of us?
However, if only we can know more of what needs doing, we might be able to advance many more causes in the normal course of the day. Little things add up to produce big advances. Perhaps, just perhaps, some knowledgeable word, timely spoken, will make a difference. Or one small decision taken, as opposed to another, might produce surprising (or hidden) results.
And, if a particular cause fits our unique circumstances and inclinations, we can commit even more fully to help erase, neutralize, or ease some social concern (or another) which plagues us and shackles the future.
3. And so...
Please take a few minutes to widen your understanding -- and let the goodness that resides in all of us do the rest. You'll know what to do and when to do it.
4. A Logical Starting Point -- What is it? (A Wikipedia excerpt)
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The diagnostic criteria require that symptoms become apparent before a child is three years old.
Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood.
It is one of three recognized disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs), the other two being Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (commonly abbreviated as PDD-NOS), which is diagnosed when the full set of criteria for autism or Asperger syndrome are not met.
5. What is the Autism Society of America? (A Wikipedia excerpt)
The Autism Society of America (ASA) was founded in 1965 by Bernard Rimland, PhD, together with Ruth C. Sullivan and a small group of other parents of children with autism. Its original name was the National Society for Autistic Children; the name was changed to emphasize that children with autism grow up.
It is the oldest and one of the largest grassroots organizations in the autism community with over 50,000 members and supporters connected through a network of nearly 200 chapters in the United States.
The ASA's goal is to increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by people with autism as well as their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The organization advocates for programs and services for the autism community, and is a leading source of information, research, and reference on the condition
6. April is National Autism Awareness Month
The following was lifted from this page on the Society's main site (click here)
National Autism Awareness Month
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.Join the Autism Society in getting involved with the autism community this April.
Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 88 children in America. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism! To learn more about the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon visit http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/puzzle-ribbon.html. To purchase the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon for your shirt, car, locker or refrigerator, click here.
Make a difference. Contact your representatives on the state and federal level and ask them to "Vote 4 Autism." For more information about this legislation and to take action to support it, visit www.autism-society.org/vote4autism.
Connect with your neighborhood. Many Autism Society local affiliates hold special events in their communities throughout the month of April. But if you can’t find an event that suits you just right, create your own! 1Power4Autism is an online tool that makes it easy to mobilize friends and family and help make a difference.
Watch a movie. Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society is working with AMC Theatres to bring special-needs families Sensory Friendly Films every month. Click here for more information. [what a delightful idea!]
David Nelson
All Original Content © 2013 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.
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