…… April is national AUTISM AWARENESS month ……

……April 2nd is Autism Awareness day……

Today {4/2/14} I am “happi” to be able to promote a good cause: Autism Awareness Month!

On April 2, 2013 I did a post on Autism Awareness Month. {see it here} And I probably will do it again a year from today. That’s because this is a cause very dear to my heart. 

The day my BFF girlfriend Amy’s son was diagnosed with Autism over 16 years ago was the day I became  really “aware” of autism for the first time. Since that time I have seen many loved ones deal with autism in their family and I have been inspired and educated by many of them as to the joys, sorrows, and wonders that autism can encompass. 

Many of my friends, cousins, and people I’ve worked with have autistic children. My dear sweet niece has had two sons diagnosed within the last 18 months. This hits close to home for me. I have learned much from them watching them love these children and go beyond normal parenting ensuring that these children get the proper therapies and care. 

The numbers of Autism are growing rapidly. The latest statistics are from 2010 as it takes 2-3 years to get full diagnostics. The latest report states that:

About 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.

ASD is almost 5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189).

You can find more data and statistics here:

One of the best things we can do for the cause is to first become informed, and then develop an understanding of Autism and what families dealing with this condition experience. You can start by getting these questions answered:

What is autism?

What are some common signs of autism?

How is autism diagnosed?

What causes autism?

What role does inheritance play?

Do symptoms of autism change over time?

How is autism treated?

What research is being done?

For great answers to these questions please see the Fact Sheet from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders.

There is something we can all do to support this cause. April would be a great month to help increase Autism Awareness and support Autism Awareness Month! Some of the ways we can show our support are:

Educate ourselves and others

Donate time and or money

Support families/friends with autism needs

Sharing your knowledge and these prints etc…

Have understanding towards those whose behaviors may be different than yours

Show compassion to all

Here is a new print I did as a reminder and to educate others. 🙂

8.5×11 poster

{CLICK HERE FOR “YOU CAN HELP” PRINT}

The following are 5×7 posters or pass along cards:

{CLICK HERE FOR “APRIL AWARENESS” PRINT}

{CLICK HERE FOR “AUTISM SPEAKS” PRINT}

{CLICK HERE FOR “GO BLUE” PRINT}

{CLICK HERE FOR “LIGHT IT UP” PRINT}

Today, being  Autism Awareness Day,  all were encouraged to wear BLUE. 

Yes, I’m wearing my blue.

I’m also sharing these graphic designs to help spread autism awareness. 

I am really excited to share these and hope my readers and those visiting my site will use these to help bring autism awareness. 

 These are pass out cards. print on 8.5×11, cut, and hand out :):)

{CLICK HERE FOR “PASS OUT CARDS” PRINT}

Here is a 8.5×11 Poster to place prominently somewhere for April Autism Awareness Month :):)

{CLICK HERE FOR AUTISM AWARENESS POSTER}

One of the most important things we can do to help with the autism cause is 

U N D E R S T A N D I N G.

Many with autism are so misunderstood for their behaviors. This can be difficult for the parents of autistic children. Nobody truly knows what another is experiencing. We must show COMPASSION, and LOVE to those around us. Its just the right thing to do!

 I would welcome any who would like to guest post on my blog regarding autism awareness. Please contact me about this if you would like to share something!

Yes,

“April is Autism Awareness Month”  

Let’s spread the word.

…and keep it going throughout the year!!

Enjoy!

Jillene