World Autism Awareness Day

   I know today isn't my usual day to post about autism, but April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, and it's worth mentioning. 
   Naming a time for awareness bring this issue into focus, and I just wanted to give some ideas of how you can help bring awareness.

​1. Educate yourself about autism
        - Doing things like reading books, magazines, blogs, or local websites to see what your community is doing. You could attend an event on autism, or just ask a parent what it's like raising a child with autism.

2.  Help others understand autism by sharing your story
        - Whether you have a child with autism, or have worked with an individual with autism, share about it! Write an article for your local paper, offer to write a guest post for a friends blog, or just say to someone, "did you know today is World Autism Awareness Day? I once worked with someone.... (or, "did you know my child has autism").

3. You can donate to autism organizations
        - You can contact a local organization that works with children with autism and ask if they are in need of anything (toys, crafts, books, games, etc.). You could sponsor someone who is participating in a walk/run for autism, or you could donate an item/service to be used as a prize or auction item for a fundraiser. You can also make a financial donation to an autism charitable organization (local, national or international). Attending events or fundraisers is also giving to the organizations that help those with autism, so get to one of those if you're able. You could also donate your time to one of these events, or to a local organization.  

4. Purchase autism awareness merchandise
        - Sites like Etsy, Zazzle, or Cafepress have lots of items that can be purchased (some to benefit autism research, and other just to spread awareness by way of you having an item that people notice) 

5. You can "Light It Up Blue"
        - Many businesses, individuals and landmarks change their lights to blue to help bring awareness to autism. If you want to see some of the worlds landmarks Light It Up Blue, watch the video below!
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   My hope for this day is that it spreads the word! I have said it before (and I will say it a lot more!), but people knowing about autism makes my life as a Mom of a child with autism a lot easier. When people know more, they stare less. They say less hurtful things. They even become helpful in situations. 

   So, celebrate World Autism Awareness Day (and Autism awareness month), and spread the word!  
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