April is designated as Autism Awareness Month here in the US – an opportunity to bring awareness and understanding to autism. The Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the mid-1970s (I honestly did not know this!)
Autism Puzzle Piece Ribbon
The puzzle piece ribbon is the most widely recognized symbol of autism awareness. The puzzle pattern reflects the complexity and mystery of the autism spectrum. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition. The brightness of the pattern signifies hope that through increased awareness and through early intervention and appropriate treatments people with autism will lead fuller lives.
A friend and fellow blogger shared the following with the Divas With A Purpose community during our Thankful Thursday Facebook Event last week:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again until I’m blue in the face. I’m thankful for AUTISM! It has changed my life in too many ways to name (good and bad). My eyes have opened and my heart has grown larger than I’ve ever imagined! – Benita, Our Autism Files
Her statement hit home and really touched me. Having a younger cousin that’s been diagnosed with autism – I can definitely relate. There are times when it can be frustrating to communicate with him, but there are those moments where he’ll reach for your hand or come cuddle up with you and even though he cannot express the words verbally – the love comes shining through. He’s taught me (and my children) to be more patient and tolerant.
Whitney, over at Cafe Mocha Reflections and a participant in The Divatude Challenge 2013, shared her perspective on autism, how it’s touched her family and what she’s doing to support the cause this month.
Light it Up Blue on April 2nd
Each April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates Light It Up Blue along with the international autism community, in commemoration of the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day. Light It Up Blue is a unique global initiative that kicks-off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about autism. In honor of this historic day, many iconic landmarks, hotels, sporting venues, concert halls, museums, bridges and retail stores are among the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities that take part to Light It Up Blue.
Light it Up Blue on April 2nd wp.me/p39YQ0-s3 #LIUB #Bloggers share your posts, connect, support, spread awareness
— Michelle (@Divatude) April 2, 2013
Power in Unity – Share Your Autism Awareness Posts and Support One Another
Arelis Cintron @djrelat7 says
I used to work in an elementary school as a Special Education paraprofessional and there was one autistic student I worked with who was so bright…she was one of my favorites!
Heather G. says
Thanks for sharing about this link up with me! I just linked up my two posts in my What is Autism? series. Thanks for helping to spread the word about this cause.
Michelle says
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by and linking up!
hangingwithangie says
My son has autisum. We caught it early. He was 2.9 at the time and now he’s 13. He’s the light of my life and truly teaches me to live unconditionally. I’ve found that not focusing on what he can’t do but making big deals of what he can do is soooo motivating. Slowly, we’ve incorporated his can’t do into can do’s in preparing him for adulthood. It’s challenging but so rewarding. What I”ve learned from him has been amazing. I’ve always considered him a new soul that God sent to us.. How honored I am that God chose me to be his Mother.
Michelle says
That is awesome! I love your approach and outlook. Thanks so much for sharing!
Shannon says
Can I grab the image above? I would love to put it on my blog.
I have a son with Autism. Thanks!
Michelle says
Please do! Thanks for stopping through
Caroll says
My nephew has Autism. We did not know that this is what he had till he was quite old. Thanks for sharing this. I do agree that you learn infinite patience when faced with this, but your love grows more than you ever thought it could.
Amiyrah Martin (@4hatsandfrugal) says
This was so wonderful to see on here. Thanks to the internet, I am now friends with Moms of amazing kids who just happen to be autistic. I’ve learned so much from them and will always support them.
prowessandpearls says
Hi Michelle! Thanks to much for sharing my friend! I have two younger cousins(siblings) who both have autism and they are the most precious kids EVER! Have a blessed weekend!!
Carolyn Moon says
I, too, have a 35 year old beautiful autistic daughter who was diagnosed at age 2. Behavioral Interventions at that point with full participation by her two older sisters and parents put her further along the spectrum. Her social and educational skills have excelled far beyond the initial prognosis we were given. This is wonderful what you are doing here and as the services for the children and youth have improved they become limited once they reach adulthood. The latter is of concern and advocacy and support services, e.g., employment, volunteering, honing artistic talents will be the next great frontier. We will be pioneering that endeavor! I’ve linked this particular article and Cafe Mocha Reflections on my sidebar. Thank you.
Michelle says
Thank you for sharing your experience, insight and for your support! You are so right with the need for additional advocacy and support services for adults living with autism. There is so much focus on children – but we need to remember those children will grow up and need to be able to thrive and become a part of society.
Crissy Page (@Crissy) says
I’ve been seeing this imagery all over the web, it’s wonderful that the support and awareness are growing around the issue!
Michelle says
Success!!! Yes!!! 🙂
CinnyBBS says
I just recently learned about lighting it up blue. What a great cause.
Michelle says
Glad you’re informed and this year’s campaign is a success in bring additional awareness and support!
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says
awarness and education are so important in terms of support and acceptance. Thanks for bringing this important topic to the front page. I was wearing blue to show support too!
Michelle says
Yay Kathleen! Thanks for wearing your blue to show support!
2wired2tired says
I love this idea! It’s such a wonderful way to bring awareness to this. I saw the Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel is lit in blue for this cause too.
Michelle says
Awesome! Way to go Myrtle Beach 🙂
Dede Zoomsalot says
I love seeing the kids in my school have the opportunity to be in regular classrooms and learn alongside the other children. That’s a huge stride!
Tracy Renea says
I don’t know a lot about autism either…I just learned what the puzzle represents yesterday. Great information Michelle.
Janeane M. Davis says
I do not know a lot about autism because no one in my immediate family has it. I am glad that it is getting more attention and research money. I am also glad that we are hearin gmore about it all the time because it will make it easier for people with autism to gain acceptance instead of noteriety.
Katherine Gl says
I never knew about light it up blue This definitely should be talked about more. my nephew has got his and I am just now learning so much about it from my sister in law. Up until now I didn’t know much about it.
Angela says
My cousin who is only six months older than my 22 year old daughter has severe Autism and has spent his life in a school. He is an adult trapped in the mind of an 18 month old. It breaks my heart because 22 years ago my uncle and aunt did not have the support or understanding they needed. It is great that now there is so much light being shown on the disorder.. Thank you for sharing it.
Michelle says
Of course there’s still so much that needs to be done but the strides we’ve made with research, acceptance and assistance is great. Thank you for sharing your personal experience!
Alison says
Thank you for posting this! As a mom with an autistic child seeing support from all communities is amazing & heartwarming! Light Up Blue!!!
Michelle says
Thank you for your support! Every little bit helps!