Hello Friends. Below is the personal story of my friend Shannon. Please consider joining us for the Walk, giving generously to the cause, or participating in praying for this growing challenge for many children. Thank you and much love, Shiuan. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. Autism often inhibits a persons ability to communicate, respond to their surroundings or form relationships with others. Autism spectrum disorders affect people of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S. It has had a ten fold increase in prevalence in 40 years with a 10 to 17 percent increase annually in recent years. Every 11 minutes, a family receives the news that their child has autism spectrum disorder. An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls will be diagnosed with ASD; 1 in 88 children. Right now Autism receives less than 5 percent of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. Currently there is no medical detection or cure for autism. A month ago I sat in the office of a psychologist who delivered the news that would change the picture our family, my son Blake was diagnosed with autism. Although this diagnosis does not change the little boy that melts my heart with his smile, and makes the sun shine on my day with his laughter and daily reminds me that love has no boundaries, I could not help but feel a sense of deep sadness. Not sadness rooted in pity rather from a mothers compassion for her child. It comes from the thought of all the challenges that he will likely face and the insensitive judgments, criticisms and well intentioned advice we will receive from those who are misinformed or unaware. I have been so blessed by people in our lives that were able to see the early signs and began early intervention. At 18 months signs of autism were already beginning to show, not enough to be obvious but enough be cautious. Another year would pass and we would once again revisit this possibility with his pediatrician and therapist and again we would find ourselves at this place trying to decide to test him or not to test him. I decided to wait, giving him more time to develop into the things that would be considered age appropriate for him. Maybe his delays were nothing more than a result of him being a preemie and he just needed time to catch up. All the while we would continue to offer him the early intervention though speech and occupational therapies. At age 3 he began attending preschool, and slowly we would see pieces of him begin to flourish. Still there was something in me that just felt that something about Blake was different and though most were pretty convinced ( myself included) he would not receive a diagnosis I felt it would be wiser to ere on the side of caution and be able to rule it out. Here we are a year later learning to navigate our new normal as a family touched by autism. Learning to understand what autism means for Blake and how to best support him. I cannot move forward without giving a great deal of credit to those who have dedicated themselves to the early intervention of our children. I have seen firsthand the benefits that Blake has received from early intervention even before we knew we needed it. I cant help but wonder how different his life might look today without those supports. These wonderfully amazing therapists and teachers who have a passion for teaching our children and educating parents and they do it certainly not for the money or recognition but simply for the love of children and their desire to see them learn. Thank you!! Thank you to those who began this journey with Blake and our family and who continue to walk with us, your support and prayers are priceless. Our family is blessed!! This year we will take part in our first WALK FOR AUTISM. There are so many ways that you can help our cause. You can choose to sponsor us in the event with a tax deductible donation or walk with us! If you are here in Colorado please join our team and walk with us on Saturday May 10 at Coors Field. The proceeds of the Walk will be used to support the efforts of Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is the largest non-governmental supporter of autism research in the United States. Please help us raise money for this extremely important cause by increasing awareness among your friends and coworkers. I realize that there are many charities that vie for your attention, but any contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated. Please visit the one of the links below to join our team or donate. Go team Blakes Potato Heads (if you know Blake, Its all about a potato!) With grateful hearts, Shan, Blake and Brody walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1084962&team=5876716
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:18:17 +0000
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