World Autism Awareness Day

Did you know that today is the first annual World Autism Awareness Day? Did you know…

* Autism affects as many as 1 in 150 children and 1 in 94 boys
* Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world
* More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, & AIDS combined
* Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
* There is no medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes
* Autism does not discriminate by geography, class, or ethnicity

I am a huge advocate of Early Intervention for ANY child who MIGHT meet the criteria for developmental issues. You do not need a diagnosis to seek intervention. Your child may not even need a diagnosis. What you WILL need is the willingness to seek the necessary resources to ensure that your child (or friend, nephew, grandson, patient, aquaintence) can overcome whatever it is that is holding them back. There are professionals out there who can differentiate between what is typical and what is not. Listen to them, take their suggestions, follow your instincts and fight for your child. I believe 150% that Early Intervention is the key. Do not take the "wait and see" approach. Your child's future is not worth the time you waste while you "wait and see" what is going to unfold.

In a society based upon what appears "normal" and "abnormal", I am always compelled to remind people of this simple fact. These children (and adults) are not their diagnosis. Yes, they are little people who carry a medical diagnosis. However, their diagnosis does not DEFINE who they are. Do not focus on the word. Do not focus on the label. Focus on whatever it takes to help that child be successful in their world.

Jumping off my soap box now...
Mommy