October Is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Let's raise awareness about Down Syndrome 365 days a year!

The Early Bird Initiative

About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to make a difference. I didn't want to be one of those people who just talked about doing something. I actually wanted 2 be proactive and I knew autism was going to be my platform. I look back over the past year and realize that I've made a lot of positive strides in raising awareness but I know I'm far from where I want to be. So I'm committing myself in this next year to doing great things through advocacy and Outreach. I encourage everyone to find a call to support. It's truly one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have.

Support a Cause

I use social media quite a bit for autism awareness. I am committed to the cause and will continue to be proactive about disability support and acceptance. However, I have noticed that people will respond positively to selfies and pictures of random events but remain radio silent when it comes to postings about donating or bringing awareness or promoting acceptance.

I knew when I began this journey as an advocate, I would experience bumps along the way. I get that it's hard for others to identify with disability awareness, especially if it's never affected them personally, but I guess I was just keeping hope alive...

Be Aware

I realize that I may have to fight this battle alone, but I'm ready! This is for my children and countless others who have no voice to speak out about what they experience on a daily basis. I am committed to raising awareness about autism...#mylife

Checking In

Less than 2 weeks to go for our autism panel! Super excited...I don't care if only 2 people show up (not really but really), I just want to create a forum where people can come together to get information that can support them as they navigate their journey on the spectrum. Will keep you updated as time goes by. This is only the BEGINNING!

Spotlight on Autism : Home, School & Community

Less than a month away before our 1st panel presentation focused on the reality of living on the spectrum. So excited!

Autism Panel:Spotlight on Autism

We are very excited about our first panel presentation to discuss autism in the home, school, and community. My Life My Autism was created for this very purpose...to bring autism into the forefront by opening up dialogue about how it impacts the person with the diagnosis as well as their loved ones.

This is only the beginning!

Support a Cause! Help raise AWARENESS

Autism Panel

We are SO excited about our upcoming panel presentation at NC A & T State University! Hopefully this is the start of something that will continue to grow and have a positive impact on the autism community.

Autism Awareness Month

My hope is that one day autism awareness is not just a moment in April that we cast blue lights and wear our best Autism Awareness gear; but that we promote and support awareness all year long through social media, research endeavors, community outreach and open discussions.

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!

Autism Awareness, Acceptance & Support

Check this out on Pinterest. My Life My Autism - www.pinterest.com/drmarquisgrant4/my-life-my-autism/?s=3&m=blogger

Creating Social Opportunities for Children with Autism

Join me March 19, 2016 at 6pm on Google Hangouts for a webinar on creating social opportunities for children with autism.

Lesson Plan on Disability

Looking for a way to incorporate disability awareness as a mini lesson in the classroom? Is character development part of your school's curriculum? Or maybe you're a parent wanting to explain different abilities to your own children.  I have created a lesson, available through the Entertaining Oddballz that will allow you to engage your children in discussions with a visual presentation and embedded Stop & Think activities.

Let us know how we can get you this FREE lesson plan for your classroom or at home.

Contact: drmarquisgrant4@gmail.com or TheOddBallz@mail.com.

New Podcast

I feel like My Life My Autism sounds pretty good, what do you think? http://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cs58f-5c9799

My Life My Autism

Check out my updated website at www.mylifemyautism.com.

Project AuSome

Let's start a dialogue about how we can support individuals with autism at home, school, and in the community.

There is a lot of research devoted to the causes of autism,  but we also need to focus on other aspects such as early diagnosis, early interventions, transition into adulthood, financial aid just to name a few.

In my opinion, researching causal factors does little to help the millions of children and adults who are diagnosed with autism.  I personally think some of the funding should be used to create resources that will help cover the cost of daily living expenses like therapy, academic support or job preparation...the list goes on.

It's time we speak up and speak out!

Let's Kick Things Into Shape

I've said it before. We can't just sit back and wait for others to take action. It's up to each and every one of us to push for what is right, what is fair and what is just.
When my children were diagnosed,  I realized the importance of advocacy when I started to question their respective places in our society. Ideas like acceptance and awareness began to take shape and I understood, for the first time in my life, what it truly meant to fight.

So I'm fighting for all children,  all individuals with autism...with different abilities. I'm fighting for a society where the word normal is not used to describe human beings. A society where acceptance is not optional. A society where my children are not outsiders standing on the outside looking in.

Things don't have to be the way they are. We can kick things into shape...

Follow Me on Twitter!

Check out Dr Marquis Grant (@DrmarquisGrant): https://twitter.com/DrmarquisGrant?s=09

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!