For those of you who don’t know, April is internationally recognized as Autism Awareness Month. Pictures from the famous “Light it Up” campaign are currently flooding social media sites, and celebrities such as Adam Sandler are donating big bucks to well–known organizations. However, if you want to do more than share a “Light it Up” picture but don’t have a lot of money to donate, there are some more creative ways to participate in autism awareness month.
A Few Autism Facts And Statistics For Autism Awareness Month:
Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 68 births. (CDC, 2014)
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. (CDC, 2008)
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. (Autism Society estimate based on Government Accounting Office Report on Autism, 2006)
3 Creative Ways to Participate in Autism Awareness Month
Make a Video Presentation
The National Autism Association is consistently requesting video stories of autistic patients (preferably created by loved ones). Video is an effective way of communication, puts a face to the number for those who are not personally effected by autism and ultimately leads to better funding for researchers and doctors. Getting in touch with your creative side and teaching your kids how to make neat videos with a purpose are just bonuses.
Exercise
Almost every non-profit hosts 5k races, so you might be thinking what’s so special about these? The answer is that they’re not just 5k races. Autism Speaks hosts running races, cycling races, swimming races, AND triathlons. Pick your favorite sport, or all three! You get to play, stay fit, and do good for the world all at the same time.
Shop
Okay, you caught me. There’s nothing super special about this option. But who doesn’t like an excuse to buy new things? It doesn’t get better than guilt-free shopping. You can get yourself a new fitted tee, your kids matching outfits, or fill up everyone’s stocking with autism awareness key chains and jewelry this Christmas (shop now, relax later). This link to Autism Society will get you started or just search “shop to support autism”.
If you are a parent of a child with special needs, you might find these resources helpful:
- Cerebral Palsy Family Network – a compassionate community that provides resources for loved ones with Cerebral Palsy.
- Financial Planning for Kids with Special Needs information from the Herald Tribune.
- Colleges for People with Developmental Disabilities – more and more colleges are opening their doors to people with IDD.
- ADHD Self Esteem Issues – and what helps.
Have you tried any of these creative ways to participate in autism awareness? Are there any other creative ways you’ve participated in Autism Awareness Month?
While I’m sure you have the very best intentions, I’d like to help you understand that supporting Autism $peaks does absolutely nothing to help Autistic people. You have been led to believe they are useful because they have a loud voice with a lot of money behind them, but I would love for you and your readers to dig in a bit deeper and understand why they don’t speak for me and likely never will.
I am Autistic, with an Autistic son. The message A$ spreads is one of fear and misinformation (they used to spread the myth that vaccines cause autism). The vast majority of Autistic people do not “light it up blue” and we actively boycott A$ and anything to do with them. If you would like to support Autistic people, please check out the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN). Other credible sources of information would be blogs or sites made *by us*, not *for us*. We know best what we need.
Here’s my blog, with my short post on the subject: http://www.onequartermama.ca/2013/10/why-i-dont-like-autism-speaks.html
Hi Kelly. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your opinion with us and suggest additional resources.
New hope for autistic children of all ages http://www.gemmlearning.com/can-help/autism/