World Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd. World Autism Awareness Day.
Approximately one in one hundred twenty six children will have autism or aspergers.
These children range from high functioning, to where it is almost difficult to tell, to profound, where there is such sadness for a child to be locked inside themselves.
Early intervention is the key.
My having premature twins sent an early intervention group to my door. We worked on all sorts of delays due to prematurity. Through this process we noticed distinct differences in one of the twins.
Five years later we found out he is a high functioning autistic.
Let me make this perfectly clear. I don't feel badly about it. I am not upset. William has had so much intervention that he functions at almost "normal" levels. Except in some things, where he is above the norm.
Sure, sometimes he has a fit because the weather is cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Sometimes he is upset because the fresh butter has "wrinkles" in it. And casseroles are the enemy.

I know children often repeat what their parents say. So let it be known. William is not retarded. He should not be called retarded and his slightly irregular social skills should not be an excuse to call him that.
So children at school seemed to think it was ok to say that to his sister. Caitlyn is a strong defender of her brothers. Granted, she wants to sell them on occasions, but she is a stalwart protector of them and she takes pains to make sure that this talk never finds its way to his ears.

So educated your kids, educate yourselves.
Autism isn't retarded.
Autism is a brain that is structured differently than "average".

So on April 2nd we will be wearing blue.
Supporting Autism Awareness.
When you see the child having a fit in the grocery store because of the noise, or re-arranging the soup aisle so the cans are all turned the same way, don't judge.
Smile, instead. You may be the only person to smile for that parent today!


and how was your day?