Buildings Can Go #blueforautism Too
National and international landmarks bring out their blue lights for autism awareness. In fact, it started in 2008 with the Empire Building lighting up blue. This year was the tenth consecutive year that its lights turned blue. International landmarks like the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul.
! Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul turned blue for Autism Awareness Day
It Takes More Than Being Aware Of Something To Spark Cultural Change Writes Joel Rubinoff Who Is The Father Of A Boy With Autism
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Autism Awareness Month? How about Autism Is Here, So Get Used To It Because Its Not Going Anywhere Month?
Or Autism Isnt A Death Sentence, So Learn Something About It Before You Make Insensitive Comments At The Grocery Store Month?
Or Autism Isnt Some Fake, Designer Make-Believe Disorder, So Get Off Your Soapbox, You Judgmental Twit Month?
As the father of a 6-year-old boy on the spectrum, I have no issues with creating more awareness among the grizzled masses of which I was formerly one who associate this skyrocketing developmental disorder with the movie Rain Man and the nerd on The Big Bang Theory.
But it takes more than being aware of something to spark cultural change.
It takes more than noticing someone off in a corner to nudge things in the right direction.
Autism is now the fastest growing, most underfunded developmental disorder in the U.S. and therefore Canada affecting one in 68 kids, one in 42 boys.
Why? No one knows. Better diagnostic tools? Environmental boogeyman? Evolution of the human race?
It doesnt matter. Many of these kids are bright, capable, eager to make their mark.
And society swayed by stereotypes, frightened of what it doesnt understand has little idea how to help.
Advocacy groups like Autism Speaks want to demonize them, presenting them as soulless tragedies whose parents are saints .
Never mind. I already know the answer. Its no.
Let me tell you, its a concept thats no stranger in our house.
Just like you.
The Community Gets Bigger And Bigger
Over 70 million individuals have autism worldwide and the number only goes up. With more awareness comes more educated society. Thus, the environment for individuals with autism become much more suitable for them to be themselves without compromise.
! blueforautism.com What to do? -Check out Blue For Autism -Wear blue -Take a selfie -Share it on social media with the hashtag #BlueForAutism -Tell everyone what is up!
We hope that your efforts will conclude in a better world for those with autism! _ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world indeed, its the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead _ Sources: Kerry Magro Bosphorus Bridge
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Autism Awareness Month Vs Autism Acceptance Month
Although there has for a while been a call by certain groups to use Autism Acceptance Month rather than the more well-known Autism Awareness Month, one thing is for certain more awareness AND acceptance is needed.
The debates over the name of the month, the autism awareness ribbon, symbol, puzzle piece, colors, shirts, shoes, bracelets, logo, etc pale in comparison to the real issues that need to be addressed.
Both awareness and acceptance are vital to helping children, teens, and adults with autism thrive and realize a better quality of life and integration into the community. Awareness is the key to protecting children who are non-verbal, unable to understand when something is dangerous, and prone to wandering. Greater awareness helps to educate teachers, therapists, government agencies, communities, and police departments to better support autistic children and families.
Acceptance, on the other hand, is a necessity for those who are integrated into society and seek equality and support within the education system and workplace. Inclusion is a major issue facing those with special needs, as well as accommodations to help individuals with autism live high quality, independent lives.
Dont Speak Over Autistics
If you arent autistic, you dont know what its like to be autistic. It doesnt matter who you know has it or what education youve had. Its important to listen to autistic voices, thoughts and experiences when it comes to anything that pertains to autism. We tend to be experts on our own bodies and minds. This includes topics like ABA therapy, Autism Speaks, hiring #ActuallyAutistic actors, identity-first language, and many more. Nothing about us without us.
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World Autism Awareness Day Is Celebrated Every Year On April 2 Read To Know The History Behind This Day And Know Reason Behind The Celebration Read Here
The World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated each year on April 2 globally. It is celebrated with the goal of spreading awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder . ASD is a developmental disorder which leads to the impairment of communication and social interaction skills in an individual.
The History Behind World Autism Awareness Day
As per an article in a news portal, a resolution was passed on November 1, 2007, at the United Nations General Assembly. It was adopted on December 18, 2007. It is one of the seven health-based UN days. The others include World Water Day which is celebrated on 22nd March, World No-Tobacco Day celebrated on 31st May, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th June, World Mental Health Day on 10th October, World Diabetes Day on 14th November, and World Aids Day which is celebrated on 1st December every year.
The estimates of the World Health Organisation say that out of every 160 children around the world, one is living with ASD. It thus becomes very important to spread the awareness of the same so that people understand that ASD is a lifelong companion. It affects social life and daily functionalities.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition. The lack of information about ASD has led to delayed diagnosis and also the delay of technologies that will help with the management of this disorder. World Autism Awareness Day celebration also includes that no one is left behind and to acknowledge and celebrate the unique gifts ASD kids are born with.
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About Angelsense Gps Tracker For Autism
AngelSense is a GPS Tracker for Kids that was specially designed for autism and special needs. It is a comprehensive safety solution that has an array of features to provide the highest level of safety and well-being for those who are most vulnerable. It supports independence, inclusion, and integration without compromising safety Giving parents much-needed peace of mind.
AngelSense is committed to creating a safer world for those with special needs and providing peace of mind to their families.
So How Do We Change This
Here, have a few bullet-points.
- Change the name of it to World Autism Acceptance Month. Because you can be aware of something and still be an unhealthy influence over it. The negative advocates responsible for those DNR orders were very much aware of autism. We need acceptance now.
- If youre running an autism event, have autistic speakers.
- If you share stuff on social media, share from autistic writers.
- Buy things from autistic artists, musicians, craftspeople, authors and so on.
- Change the narrative from tragedy to difference, and talk about our strengths as well as our difficulties.
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Use #redinstead Instead Of Light It Up Blue
Light It Up Blue is a campaign that started by Autism Speaks in 2010. Blue was the chosen color of the time because they believed that boys were more likely to be diagnosed than girls. This harmful stereotype has prevented many girls as well as adult women from being properly diagnosed as autistic. #RedInstead is a movement to help bring acceptance, understanding, and support to autism and raise awareness against Autism Speaks. It also helps support autistic advocates, creators, and individuals.
It can be hard to unlearn what society has taught us about supporting autistics, but the main point is to listen to the autistic community. We are here and its important that our voices are heard.
Acceptance Instead Of Awareness
At this point, most people know what autism is. We dont really need awareness, but we do need acceptance and understanding. Each autistic person is unique and has their own amazing way they see the world. Autism acceptance can look like not judging when a child is having a meltdown in the middle of a grocery store because they have gotten overwhelmed because of lights and sounds. Or understanding when someone is stimming to self-regulate. There is a lot to learn about autism from autistic individuals that you wont find from doctors, psychologists, and books. Check out the hashtag #StimDancing on Instagram or TikTok and find some amazing autistic creators finding themselves through stim dancing.
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The Origins Of Autism Awareness
Autism, as a diagnosis, has changed radically over the past several decades. Back before the 1990s, autism was not considered to be a spectrum disorder. Thus anyone with an autism diagnosis had relatively severe symptoms. Many professionals believed that autism was a result of poor parenting the famous psychologist Bruno Bettelheim wrote extensively about what he called “refrigerator” mothering. An adult with autism was typically thought to require an institutional setting.
The movie “Rain Man,” with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, provides a good insight into autism in those days. Hoffman’s character has been institutionalized for most of his life, despite his verbal and intellectual abilities. Leaving the institution is a frightening experience he requires full-time care from his brother in order to successfully navigate the outside world.
Enter Dr. Bernard Rimland. A psychologist with an autistic son, he debunked the “refrigerator mother” theory and created an organization called The Autism Society. According to the Society’s website, The Autism Society began its first nationwide awareness program in the early 1970s. It was adopted by Congress in 1984. The iconic autism awareness ribbon was designed in 1999.
Why Down Syndrome Awareness Month Is Important
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month a fact that sometimes has people asking, Who ISNT aware of Down syndrome?
Its true that Down syndrome is far and away the most common condition involving chromosomes. It occurs in about 1 in every 691 births, with more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the U.S. today, according to the CDC, and many of us are at least somewhat familiar with it and have probably met at least one person who has it.
The month of awareness started in the 1980s by the National Down Syndrome Society. The express goal was to spread awareness as well as greater understanding about Down syndrome and to promote advocacy and foster inclusion throughout the community.
Its about focusing on the abilities rather than the disabilities of those with this condition.
Its also about looking beyond just the facts. For example, here are some truths:
- About 6,000 babies are born each year in the U.S. with Down syndrome.
- The prevalence of Down syndrome increases with a mothers age.
- The condition is associated with distinct facial features, intellectual disability and delays in physical growth.
- About half of people with Down syndrome also have a congenital heart defect.
- People with Down syndrome are also more prone to hearing loss, ear infections, obstructive sleep apnea, eye diseases, poor eyesight and intestinal blockages at birth requiring surgery.
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Why Should You Wear #blueforautism
Many organizations and individuals around the world have been celebrating World Autism Awareness Month for almost a decade now. After the United Nations declared April 2nd as a World Autism Awareness Day, the community stepped up and Light It Up Blue was born. Since that day, blue campaigns became the symbols of starting a global conversation on how to understand and help people with autism. Here are 10 reasons why you should wear #BlueForAutism for World Autism Awareness Month:
Why Education And Understanding About Autism Is Important
Education is important because myths, misinformation and stigmas cause our individual needs to be ignored.
Those of us on the autism spectrum want folks to understand our hurdles. This could be seen as wanting special treatment by neurotypicals . We dont want special treatment but your understanding and acceptance. Our autism traits can be misread by NTs thus causing trouble. If we dont make eye contact, the truth is eye contact makes us feel uncomfortable. On the plus side we can listen to you better when we dont look you in the eye. Yet a NT may interpret this as disrespectful.
We regulate our emotions differently than our NT peers. This has caused me to get into trouble.
For example, when I was in the second grade there was a thunderstorm. At this time no one knew I was autistic. There was a loud rumble of thunder that startled everyone. I was startled as well but I had a smile on my face. Most anxious people may have unusual responses to certain situations. Sometimes anxious people may smile or giggle out of nervousness or fright. The teacher misread it as me making fun of the class for being scared and I was punished. This is one of the reasons why education is important as punishing an autistic child for behaviors caused by their disorder is damaging to us.
Stop it!
For me, some things are a struggle, some arent. Everyone is different.
This is why education is important. So many autistics struggle because people ignore facts and listen to the false info.
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The Help Group To Mark National Autism Awareness Month
The Help Group is pleased to launch its annual Autism Awareness Campaign this month in partnership with longtime supporters The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and Gelsons.
Autism is estimated to affect 1 in every 68 children in the United States, said Dr. Barbara Firestone, Help Group President & CEO. Its critical to disseminate the very latest information about autism spectrum disorder and the early signs of ASD to the community. Research has shown that early identification and intensive early intervention can lead to significant positive outcomes for many children with autism.
In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® will make The Help Groups Learn the Facts & Early Signs brochures available in its 193 stores in the western United States. Information about autism will also be available on in-store television displays and The Coffee Beans social media outlets.
John Fuller, President & CEO of The Coffee Bean, explains the companys commitment to the annual outreach effort, The number of families impacted by autism has grown tremendously in recent years. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will continue to work with our friends at The Help Group to do all we can to promote greater awareness and understanding of autism.
The Learn the Facts and Early Signs brochures are available online in English and Spanish, and additional copies can be requested by calling 877.943.5747.
The Importance Of Autism Awareness And Acceptance
James Guttman is the father of two children, a nonverbal eight-year-old with autism and a non-stop-verbal eleven-year-old without autism. His blog can be found here.
It is amazing what we can get used to. My son has autism and is nonverbal. Yet, to my family, its all just business as usual. There is nothing anymore shocking or confusing about it than there is with raising our neurotypical daughter. We see him as part of us. Hes part of our group. Hes part of our normal.
There was a time when that wasnt the case, though. There was a time before him when I was not only fearful of what autism was, but ignorant to what it even meant. I was one of the many people who was more in tune with things that had personally affected my own life.
Thats nothing to be ashamed of. We can all understand that. Talk to a person whose parent is going through chemotherapy and youll learn quickly that they are aware, educated on, and dealing with cancer. Everyone has personal expertise on issues that affect those they love. It could be mental illness, physical ailments, food allergies, or anything. Whatever the case, there are many things that profoundly impact individuals and their inner circle.
Perhaps the best example of this was a young family friend who, upon meeting Lucas, wanted to know why he wasnt saying anything to her. My wife looked at her and explained that he didnt speak and that he had autism.
Yeah? Hmmm. I know a person with autism.
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Dont Support Autism Speaks
Early on, Autism Speaks awareness campaigns did a lot of harm to the autistic community. Autism Speaks is the leader in autism awareness, and when it was extremely important to spread positive messages about autism, Autism Speaks chose to spread fear campaigns, promoted eugenics, and caused widespread fear about vaccines. In a 2009 ad campaign I am autism they speak about how autism works faster than pediatrics AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined and goes further to claim that autism will make your marriage fail. In 2016 they stated that they had listened to the autistic community and had refocused their mission statement to remove the word cure from their language. However, Autism Speaks still uses funding for research and therapies that have harmed autistics. The puzzle piece symbol as well as the light up blue campaign they still use does not accurately portray the autistic community. Most autistics prefer to support Autistic Self Advocacy Network , Autistic Women & Non-Binary Network , and others.