World Autism Day

Did you know that today is World Autism Day?

On April 2nd, wear a puzzle piece ... any way you want. Make earrings. A badge. A sticker. Even better, hand out a puzzle piece to the people you see that day. Why a puzzle piece? Because the puzzle piece has become the recognized symbol for Autism. It represents a very puzzling disorder, the cure for which we have only pieces.

When someone asks you about your puzzle piece (and no doubt they will!), you can tell them how autism has affected your life. You know someone with Autism. You may be a relative, you may be a friend. Maybe you work with someone who has autism. But in some way, you are affected by autism. You could tell this person who has asked you that one in one hundred and fifty children born will have Autism. That it hits boys four times more often than girls. That in many cases, children who have Autism do not speak, and have great difficulties communicating. That one in five people with Autism also have a seizure disorder. That the strain of coping with the many faces of Autism puts such an incredible strain on a marriage and family, that 80 percent will end in divorce. That although Autism is more prevalent than juvenile diabetes, cancer and muscular dystrophy combined, the services covered by MSI terminate when the child enters the school system; that the services so desperately needed for these children cannot be adequately supplied by the schools, and are far too expensive for the families to afford on their own. That there are woefully inadequate services for individuals with autism who have left the school system, who can be gainfully employed with just a little extra help.

These are but a few of the things you can share with someone when they ask you about your puzzle piece.

**I've copied this information from an email that was sent to me by my friend, Kelly. Her 4 year old son has been diagnosed with Autism and she's been a huge player in the local area for promoting Autism awareness. She's also raised over $3000 in support of programs that benefit children with Autism. Kelly, in case you're reading this, You go, Girl!!! We're so proud of you! :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)