The Early Bird Initiative~365 Days a Year

As April approaches, so does the annual "Light It Up Blue" campaign created by Autism Speaks to raise awareness about autism in communities across the world. I have always maintained (and will continue to do so) that we need more research devoted to the lives of people with autism, not just causes of autism.

With millions of people living with autism,
both directly and indirectly, learning about the causes of autism is not as  relevant as issues like: early diagnosis, interventions, wandering, transition, healthcare, education...and the list goes on.

Those of us who consider ourselves to be advocates/activists should actively use our voices not only during the month of April, but the other 11 months of the year as well.

So let's commit ourselves to raising autism awareness 365 days a year!

My Life My Autism

Check out our video @ https://youtu.be/nbyeo4bxG_s

Speak Up For Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves

When I learned that my children had autism,  I remember feeling very much alone. Sure there were one or two parent support groups around but nothing that I really connected with. I really needed someone to talk to about what I was experiencing and how my role as a mom would change.

What I found was that autism is still relatively misunderstood. I had teachers ask me why my sons did certain things or express downright frustration with having them in the classroom. They have assumed my children couldn't grasp certain concepts rather than taking the time to think that maybe it was the manner in which the concept was taught that caused a breakdown in learning. Trust me, fighting for my children has been an uphill battle!

But I don't just fight for my children,  I fight for ALL children who have differences. I have never second-guessed the importance of advocacy, especially as it relates to children with different abilities. I realized early-on that I had the ability to do something positive through social media, through writing, through conferences and I will continue to do so with passion and commitment.

My Life My Autism

Please check out my website : www.mylifemyautism.com

I also want to encourage you to use social media as a means of creating awareness and advocating in support of whatever cause that is close to your heart. Start a blog, create a website...do whatever is necessary to bring the important issues into the spotlight. 

Do you...and do it WELL!