Today is World Autism Awareness Day! A day were hopefully a few more people get to know a bit more about Autism, and those who are living with Autism or have a family member with Autism, take time to come together and support each other.
I’ve been shooting some video on my iPhone in preparation for making a new Jovie-movie, and what better time to do it than for Autism Awareness day 🙂
If this is the first time you’ve come across my blog, or the term ‘Autism’ – here is a brief summary of what i know
Autism is a lifelong, neurobiological disorder that will effect 1 in 110 Australian children (and I think 1 in 88 American children). Autism effects social skills, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviour. Most children are diagnosed between 2 and 4 years old when Autism signs become more apparent – in our case, lack of speech, losing skills like interest in books etc.
Alot of children & adults with Autism also have sensory processing disorder, which effects how they tolerate sights, sounds, tastes, touch, motion. Often they are mistaken for being ‘naughty’ however that could not be further from the truth.
Imagine being asked to walk through a maze, that is filled with loud unrelenting horns, bright flashing lights, a wobbling floor. You’re to carry a plate of eggs and not drop them, and also complete your taxes at the same time, in a foreign language. That’s what Autism can feel like for some people – it’s all too much, and you don’t know how to start.
There is no cure for Autism. (Yes that is hard for me as a parent to say, but I do believe this is true). However with Early Intervention (ongoing speech therapy, occupational therapy, supported playgroups, support class rooms, Autism specific education), our children can develop those skills.
If you would like to read more about Autism, and how you can help, please visit these links
Awesome for Autism – my webpage about Autism
1000 Hours – campaigning to get a minimum of 1000 hours Early Intervention for every pre-school child diagnosed with Autism in Australia
Autism Awareness Australia
Today for World Autism Awareness Day, we will be going to our awesome Autism specific playgroup and heading out to the Sydney Opera House to see the Light It Up Blue campaign come alive. For the month of April, I will be posting more about our life with Autism and hope that you can share some info on your own blog, or Twitter or Facebook account.
Autism is a part of our life now, and while there are many challenges, there’s always alot of hope for a brighter future for our Jovie, and for our family.
Drew • 
