So today is World Autism Awareness Day. The light it up Blue Campaign has begun for 2013. Puzzle Pieces everywhere! It would be great if the World actually knew what that all meant. It would be great if the World actually took the time to educate itself on what Autism is and how it effects its citizens. This day needs to be about Acceptance.
Acceptance is the one of the major factors when it comes Awareness. People need to accept that this is something big effecting this planet.Conversations need to be had. It makes me wonder for those who don't have autism in their lives if they have actually talked with people who are effected by it. For us family members that live with Autism every single day or the Adults that are Autistic.
One of the most interesting things to me is the just the Ignorance.How many times to do I have to be told that my kids don't look Autistic. Or they don't act like a "Typical" Autistic. Or the stares at in Target when your child is having a meltdown. Or the quizzical looks on people's faces when your child is stimming. What people don't know is that there is a Spectrum for a reason. There are so many things that contribute to Autism. What is amazing is the lack of wanting to learn. There are so many great resources out there to educate, at everyone's finger tips. If people wanted to educate themselves about this, they would. I find there is no excuse for the ignorance.
What I think is the sad part is that people just don't care enough, until it happens to them. Family members that are in denial about a grandchild, niece/nephews or god children. It makes it harder for those who live with Autism when they are constantly trying to defend parenting styles or why things need to be done a certain way.
On this day amid the puzzle pieces and the sea of Blue, make it a day of Acceptance and Awareness. Educate. Share the sites that you feel are important to educate those who want to learn. Have those conversations with people about how Autism affects your life. Sometimes the light bulb does get turned on.
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