Home | Be Informed | Special Needs | Mom Perspectives | April is Autism Awareness Month

Last month I was a guest contributor for MCG, and after my story, “Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism,” appeared, I was asked to be a monthly contributor. Needless to say, I was thrilled by the invitation. And, because April is Autism Awareness Month, I’m especially excited to write about something that is so near and dear to me.

You probably know someone that is affected by autism. Perhaps, like me, your child has autism. Maybe your nephew or niece has autism. Maybe your neighbor has autism. More than likely, whether you’re aware of it or not, at least one child at your pre-school, or church, or playgroup has autism. Autism is prevalent, very prevalent; in fact, many medical professionals are referring to the rise of autism as “epidemic.” According to the CDC autism affects 1 in 110 children, including 1 in 70 boys. The most recent statistics, according to Pediatrics, indicates that autism affects 1 in 91 children, including 1 in 58 boys. Little is known about what causes autism and how to prevent it. Yet, it is known that early intervention can positively affect an individual’s course of autism. Children can improve, and, as some believe, even recover from autistic symptoms, and it is important to support the autism community in their efforts. According to the Autism Society, Autism Awareness Month is an effort to bring attention to autism awareness, autism education, autism concerns, and autism issues.

5 simple ways that you can support autism efforts and those affected by autism:

1. Be informed—Learn about autism, including statistics, facts, signs/symptoms, therapies, and national and local efforts. Once you know your stuff, spread the word!
2. Support autism legislation—Contact your federal and state representatives in support of autism insurance reform.
3. Donate—Consider donating to national organizations, local organizations, and classrooms. National organizations tend to support research and scholarships. Local organizations tend to directly support individuals in your community that are affected by autism.
4. Volunteer—Volunteer your time and talents for local autism chapters, organizations, and fundraisers.
5. Continue to be a supportive friend—As the mother of a child with autism, and as a mother that knows many other mothers raising children with autism, I understand and appreciate good friends.

What are some practical ways that you can be a supportive friend to the mother of an autistic child?

Listen. Even if you don’t understand the complexities of the situation, all women love a listening ear.

Encourage your children to play with our children. It is very, very, important for autistic children to interact with peers, including, and especially, children that are developing typically. Encourage and foster these sorts of childhood friendships. It will be good for your child’s character too.

Get your friend out of the house and out of her routine. Mothers of autistic children are almost required to stick to a hyper-organized routine involving therapies, strict diets, and more therapies. So, help her break it up by taking her out to coffee, wine, cheesecake, a movie, bowling, anything.

Let her stay in bed. The majority of autistic children have never, I repeat, never, slept through the night, leaving moms that are exhausted for years, literally. Offer to hang out with the kids while your mommy friend takes a verrryyy lonnnggg, well-deserved, nap.

Babysit on a Saturday night. Due to fear and misconceptions, people tend to be scared to babysit autistic children. And, to be honest, since many autistic children aren’t verbal and can’t recall an experience, their parents are afraid to leave them with a babysitter. However, if you’re a friend that the family really trusts, offer to babysit!

Having a special needs child is… special! Whether or not you are directly affected by autism, I hope that Autism Awareness Month encourages you to reflect on the unique challenges and efforts of special needs families and communities.

For more information about autism, including national and local organizations, visit Kristina’s blog: http://www.livelovelaughandautism.blogspot.com/

Home | Be Informed | Special Needs | Mom Perspectives | April is Autism Awareness Month