Sensory Friends
Let's stay connected:
  • Home
    • About us
    • Contact us!
    • Join Our Email List
    • Media Page
    • Book Christine Goulbourne
  • Blog
    • Disability Blogs
  • Sensory Friends Directory
  • Resources
  • Great Giveaways!

How Much Do You Know About People with Autism? 

4/3/2017

0 Comments

 

Why I'm Going to #LightItUpBlue for Understanding and Acceptance!

Our family has been active members of the autism community since Richie was diagnosed at the age of two - thirteen years ago! 

Since April is World Autism Month, our family will #LightItUpBlue with Autism Speaks to increase understanding and awareness of autism. Of course, it should go without mentioning for those of you who visit my blog often, that this is a deeply personal topic for me as a mom of a teen with autism. It's highly likely that you know someone with autism too since the CDC estimates autism's prevalence as 1 in every 68 children in the United States. 
Autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism, but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.

Autism's most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Autism Speaks encourages parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes. 

Richie was diagnosed at close to three years old, but I knew he had autism before his first birthday. I wrote about our experience as a family here: "When you first hear the words: Your Child has Autism." 


The "Light It Up Blue" campaign is about more than awareness -- it is about increasing understanding and acceptance of autism. This includes advocacy and support for people across the entire spectrum throughout their lives. It also includes advancing research into personalized treatments for autism and related conditions. I encourage you to test your understanding of autism by taking this quiz!

Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include GI disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias.


Light it Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Month!
Richie has been blessed with not having to deal with seizures, but he does have sleep issues, digestive issues, and focusing on tasks (especially undesirable ones) are challenging for him. We continue to work collaboratively as a team within our family, with his teachers and therapists, and anyone who works with Richie to help him make learning gains. You can help make a difference too by taking the Light It Up Blue Quiz to see how much you know about autism. If your moved to do so after visiting AutismSpeaks.org, please show your support for and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism by sharing a photo to #LightItUpBlue for Autism Awareness Month too! Also, check out Autism Speaks nationwide calendar for autism-friendly events and activities in April. 

Although this is a Bloggin' Mama's campaign effort, this is a deeply personal topic for me and my family. We participate in the Light It Up Blue awareness effort annually on our own!

Sincerely, Christine SensoryFriends

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author: Christine Goulbourne
    christine@sensoryfriends.com 

    Archives

    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2020
    September 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    Categories

    All
    Autism
    Inclusion
    Parent Involvement
    Positive Behavior Support
    Special Education

    RSS Feed

    Please note that Sensory Friends is a participant in the Google Adsense and Etsy Programs. These are affiliate/advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees (at no additional cost to you) by advertising and linking to their sites. 

An Important Note From Sensory Friends:

All information posted on the website is for informational purposes only.   Please confirm and review information carefully with your professional health care provider before considering a new regime or practice.  The information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians.  Sensory Friends only wishes to provide information, resources, options and networking opportunities to its members and site visitors. 
Please note that Sensory Friends is a participant in several affiliate programs (Google Adsense, Awin Affiliates, and Etsy) these affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products or services. We may receive a commission if you purchase any of the linked products at no additional cost to you.  

© 2019 Sensory Friends

Subscribe

Join our mailing list today!
Join Now