Mom of Autistic Son Encourages Awareness

Tuesday was World Autism Awareness day. We celebrate this day because our son Carter, was diagnosed with Pervasive Disability Disorder Non Specific, a mild form of autism, when he was three. We were watching videos of him last night from back then, when he couldn't speak, when his stimming was so intense that he could barely stop for long enough to eat a meal.

Watching those videos reminded me of what it was like to be behind the camera at that moment, to see him struggling minute to minute and to wonder if he'd ever learn to do something as seemingly simple as speak my name.  I was consumed with fear that he wouldn't. 

At that moment I couldn't begin to imagine what he'd be doing four years later, how much he'd grow and change and how much work it would take. Today he is in second grade and while he still endures struggles that non of his classmates face, he is a success story. He still has autism and always will but he's a success because he didn't let it stop him. He's learned to overcome it.

I wanted to reach through the computer screen and grab a hold of my old self and whisper, "he's going to be OK. I promise, he's going to be okay."

The prevalence of autism is growing. One in 88 childen (1 in 54 boys) is diagnosed with autism. It's the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States.

Autism spectrum disorders are usually characterized by repetetive behaviors, social difficulties, problems communicating and over stimulation from a variety of external stimuli like temperature and light. There are a range of symptoms and each person is different.

The Autism Society of Connecticut has been helping families of children with autism since 1977. Their website says they offer many resources including, "support groups, autism orientation workshops, information and referral, conferences, educational programs, social opportunities, advocacy and training."

Please join us in raising awareness of autism by "lighting it up blue." Talk about autism, wear blue to show your support and become more aware by learning more about autism.

For more information, please check the following websites: Autism Speaks, ASCONN, Autism Society and Temple Grandin.