Tips on Tuesday: Autism Awareness Month

The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 110 children in America - that’s 13 million families and growing who live with autism today. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon this month – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism! For suggestions and resources, visit www.autism-society.org/ribbon.


Make a difference. There are several important bills moving through Congress that will have important effects on the autism community – safer educational settings (Keeping All Students Safe Act), better autism services (Autism Treatment Acceleration Act), greater financial independence (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act), better protection against toxic chemicals (Toxic Substances Control Act Reform, introduction anticipated soon), and more. For more information about this legislation and to take action to support it, visit http://www.vote4autism.org/.


Connect with your neighborhood. The Autism Society and inflatable playground franchise Pump It Up are bouncing again with “Bounce for Autism” – over 100 community-based fundraising events that combine family fun with raising awareness and support for autism in locations nationwide that welcome children on the autism spectrum. Many Autism Society local chapters also put on events in the community through the month of April. But if you can’t find an event that suits you just right, create your own! 1Power4Autism is an online tool that makes it easy to mobilize friends and family and help make a difference.
* Bounce for Autism: http://www.bounceforautism.org/
* Autism Society chapters: www.autism-society.org/chapters
* 1Power4Autism: http://www.1power4autism.org/


Watch a movie. Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society is working with AMC entertainment to bring special-needs families “Sensory Friendly Films” every month. Our special showing of How to Train Your Dragon is coming to a theatre near you on April 10. Or, you could see a movie about autism itself - the Autism Society is partnering with the Independent Television Service (ITVS) to support 70 community screenings of the new movie The Horse Boy, based on the memoir of the same name. In the film, Rupert Isaacson shares the inspiring story of how he and his wife learned to think of their son’s autism as an adventure rather than a curse, a beginning rather than an end. Find participating locations for both events at:
* Sensory Friendly Films: www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms
* The Horse Boy: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/horse-boy/

On a personal note, please help support Team NATHAN for the Autism Puzzle Walk. The Autism Society has been a source of constant support and guidance for us this past year. We want to give back in a big way. Funds raised at the Puzzle Walk impact the programs and support offered. Please consider giving a gift of any size. Even $1 will help. Go to Nathan's Page to donate or click on the box at the top right of the blog main page.


Please remember that Autism is a huge spectrum. Set aside your preconceived notions. I recently heard this quote and it has really stuck with me.

If you've met one person with autism...

you've met ONE person with autism.