#autism action

[musictattoo]

Here is a blue themed playlist to accompany your day. One more way to be BLUE on World Autism A̶w̶a̶r̶e̶n̶e̶s̶s̶ Action Day!

[musictattoo]

A̶u̶t̶i̶s̶m̶ ̶A̶w̶a̶r̶e̶n̶e̶s̶s̶ ̶

April is "Autism Awareness Month."

Autism awareness. Awareness?  I question the wisdom of using as a catch phrase "autism awareness." I have a better suggestion.

It is 2013. The most recent statistics suggest 1 in 50 children in the US have an autism spectrum disorder. We don't need "autism awareness." People are aware. Everyone knows that autism exists. They may not know what living with autism really looks like and what it is like to raise a child with autism. Not everyone would recognized the difference between a meltdown and "the terrible twos" if they saw a child having 'a fit' at the store, or in a restaurant, or other public place. There are a myriad of issues wrapping the topic of autism of which the general bystander may be unaware.

But it is 2013 and statistically the general bystander is a vanishing breed.  Everyone knows someone with autism. Everyone has a friend, or relative, or a friend of a relative or a relative of a friend who is on the spectrum. Autism is in the news daily and anyone who cares to learn more about any of the ins and outs of autism can talk to the neighbor or friend or family member or do a bit of online surfing, or read a book. The information on all of that is out there and is passed around everyday. And yet, even amongst the well initiated there is more we don't know about autism than we do know.

 As it stands no one knows all of the factors that contribute to the causes of autism. I say causes because I believe there are many. People try to push awareness of what they believe to be the cause or trigger for their own child. But each case is unique and individual causational factors differ. Pushing awareness too aggressively here is often more divisive than helpful. There are no blanket statements here that can be passed on to make others aware of. Only each family's individual story. 

Of what else can we make the public aware? Of course I'd love for more people to be understanding of the struggles these individuals and their families face. I'd love to see all school districts step up and do right by all of their kids, especially those with autism. I'd love to see every teacher, staff member, therapist, and specialist go that extra mile to assure that those under their charge live up to their potential. I'd love to see all insurance providers and employers to the right thing and participate in the current autism insurance funding (in Michigan) and then go further and set up right and reasonable coverage for all appropriate therapies (including music therapy) for all ages in all ranges of the spectrum. And the list goes on and on and on...And while it can be argued that these things need "awareness" in order to grow and move in the direction of optimal societal growth and therapeutic service and life-long supports (I myself just made several!). But as I see it, what is needed is "action."

I challenge you to make this "autism action month."  Call that friend or  family member you know who cares for someone with autism. Ask how they are doing. Ask if there is anything you can do to help. Offer to help with laundry or babysit or whatever to give them even a moment's break (autism is 24/7 and so is caring for someone with autism). Call your local autism center and see what programs they offer. Volunteer for one. Or help sponsor one. Donate locally. Make a charitable contribution to a local group or center that serves those with ASD (keeping it local helps to assure that the money you donate goes most directly to paying for programs and resources for those with autism - too often national organizations have to take a large percentage of the donation to pay for administrative staff). 

What else can you think to do? Take an action. Take a step. Make a move. Help the world grow toward being an optimal society.