Autism Awareness Day

Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and April is Autism Awareness month.  This cause means a lot to me because I am a mom to a child on the Autism Spectrum.  The most recent stats say that it is now 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys will be diagnosed with Autism.   Boys are 5 times more likely to be on the spectrum than girls.  In the years since we have started our A.S.D. journey, I have come to know many moms and children with Autism.  Every child and their symptoms are completely different.   Our son  has an Aspergers diagnosis and is considered to be on the mild to moderate end of the spectrum.  He goes to regular school and his intelligence is off the chart.  He has had many challenges over the years, but always surprises and amazes us. He excels in math, and loves video games so much that he would play them 24/7 if he could. He wants to be a video game designer (or possibly now a chef) when he grows up, and I have no doubt that he will. Until then we have to get through each day, which are sometimes easy and sometimes very hard.   Children on the more severe end of the spectrum are often misunderstood, because they are often non verbal. Each and every one of them are  wonderfully special in their own way.  They are often in their own world, and will need life long assistance.   So much more needs to be known about Autism.  There is not one cause, and there is not a "cure".  Children can be helped in some degree with early intervention and lots of different types of therapy.  Often though,  those who need the help the most  can not afford it. It used to be Autism therapy  was not covered by insurance.  Autism Speaks is just one of the wonderful organizations trying to get the word out, and raise funds for Autism programs.  Today they are having a Light it Up Blue Day to show support. Many landmarks around the world such as the Empire State Building will be lit in blue light tonight. I am showing my support by wearing my blue today.  You can find out more about Autism and Autism Awareness Day on the Autism Speaks Facebook Page.