Monday, March 26, 2012

April is Autism Awareness Month

As most of you know my Aidan..


has Autism... So making the world aware of what Autism is,  and helping families like ours
is very special to me!! Starting this week, I will be talking about our Victories and Struggles...

 This is Aidan at almost 3 years old. I cry when I watch this.. it shows what early intervention
and a good SLP can do, My boy has worked so hard!
 http://www.dropshots.com/klove3#date/2006-11-11/16:13:24




Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In December 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to the Autism Society or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).



Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.



Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

·    Lack of or delay in spoken language

·    Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)

·    Little or no eye contact

·    Lack of interest in peer relationships

·    Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

·    Persistent fixation on parts of objects



In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

Join my family!! And help spread the word..

Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 110 children in America. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism! To learn more about the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon visit http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/puzzle-ribbon.html.


Light it up blue!!: April 2,2012 Light up your house and porch with blue lights!

Participate in local events:



Ø Sensory Friendly  Movie – Reel to Reel

April 21, 2012 at 10:30 AM

Sensory Friendly Film (lights dim, volume lower, moving around okay)

Location: Reel to Reel Theatre, Johnson City TN

Cost: Free admission (limited seating), advance RSVP required

RSVP to: sillymom2three@gmail.com or Angela at 423-557-8031



Ø Cupcakes for Autism


April 6 and April 27, 2012

         ALL Day at The Crazy Cupcake

135 East Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659

Portion of the Sales go to ASA-ETC to support local events for families

With Autism.



Ø Annual ASA-ETC Tri-Cities 4-man scramble golf tournament

The tournament will be held on Saturday April 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Crockett Ridge Golf Course, Blountville, TN. All proceeds will go to provide support, services, and advocacy for local families affected by Autism. For More information Contact David Smith at




Ø Easter Egg Hunt For Children with Autism


April 7,2012 10:00 AM


University Parkway Baptist Church


219 University Parkway, Johnson City, Tennessee


For more information Contact: Jackie Broome-Peevyhouse at jackieslemp@yahoo.com










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