Autism Awareness Month

Hello all! Happy Autism Awareness Month! I believe that it is extremely important for people to raise awareness about Autism, this and every month throughout the year, especially now that Autism is becoming more and more prevalent. When people think about Autism, they tend think of "low functioning" children with tantrums, behavior issues, sensory issues, and all the negatives and heart breaks that are associated with this disorder. What people fail to see is the positive aspects of Autism and the blessings children with Autism can bring to the world. It is true that families affected by Autism have many obstacles to overcome in life, it is also true, that these same families share in many positive experiences in life as well. Whether it is learning to appreciate the small victories in life, or having a child with Savant abilities, there are so many gifts that come along with Autism. People with Autism see, and experience the world differently than us "neurotypicals". This is not necessarily a bad thing, however. My favorite example to support this statement is Temple Grandin. Temple Grandin completely changed the way the livestock industry treated and viewed their cattle. It was because of her Autism that she was able to design more humane livestock facilities. Because of the sensory issues she dealt with due to her Autism, she was able to relate to the fear and anxiety the livestock felt as they were walking to their slaughter. To minimize the anxiety, she designed facilities that help calm the animals. Like everyone in this world, people with Autism have so much to offer to society, we just need to take the time to discover their talents. Many people on the spectrum thrive in various artistic and mathematical venues. People with Autism see the world differently, and process things in a way we could never imagine. Some of history's greatest minds, such as Albert Einstein Thomas Edison, Beethoven and Abraham Lincoln are believed to have been on the spectrum. Here is a list of famous novelists, inventors visionaries, etc. believed to be on the spectrum http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_2086.shtml We need to embrace the gifts that come along with Autism, and not look at it as a curse. Embrace the Amazing!