Wow, I’m a slacker. This post was meant to be written earlier in the month, but here we are now, anyway!!!
April is, in fact, National Autism Month, which I know because my SIL said, “Hey, it’s Autism Month! Don’t be such a slacker and get the word out, chickie!”
Okay, so she didn’t say that, but that was the spirit of the message, if not the actual…um….words.
Why does it matter to me? Because my nephew (hey there, cutie 
) has been diagnosed with a very high functioning Autism (basically Asperger’s Syndrome). He is a bright kid, gets good grades, loves studying sea animals (he’s even been able to get in the water with the animals at Sea World!), and has a normal pre-teen fascination with Harry Potter. He’s does so well, in part, because the autism was diagnosed early and he was able to receive the therapies that help him to live a normal life.
My sister-in-law, his mom, has been working hard to establish a support group in her community for families living with autism. She would want people to know this about kids with autism:
Sometimes it’s hard for others to understand that autistic kids are bright……they just think differently and don’t always have the social skills they need but that with therapies, they can function well like you and me.
Did you know that 1 in 150 people is diagnosed with autism? You can click over Autismspeaks to find the signs of autism.
Two blogs that I come back to are written by moms of children with Autism. First, find community, education, and discussion on living with Autism at the b5media blog, Autism Vox written by Kristina Chew, Ph.D. Second, take a peek into the lessons taught and learned from a homeschooling mum of a child with Asperger’s.
I had never heard of Asperger’s Syndrome until it was featured on an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Yes, I get all of my information from TV shows. And now blogs. And of course Eddie Izzard.
Thanks for the autism links so I can go over there and educate myself.
Sheila: Don’t worry, I’m usually hearing Jay (Leno, that is) making some joke about something, and then ping Jack and am like, “What is he talking about? What did I miss this week?” Of course, that’s just getting caught up on the celebrity gossip, and not really essential information, yeah?
I really do not have enough Eddie Izzard in my life. “Yes, but do you have a FLAG?”
I, sadly, don’t know as much about Autism and Asperger’s as I should. /me joins Sheila at the autism blogs….
AUNT KERRI,
I am very surprised that you would be blogging me. I am surprised in a good way! It is true that I’m getting good grades in school. I will be in 6th grade soon. anyway, thank you for writing all about me. I appreciate it. I do not know what to say other than I love you.
Tyler
Well thank you SUPER SIL for talking about this. It’s greatly appreciated!
I hope by doing this it will help others to be interested in learning about autism.
check out the websites because they are filled with valuable information and helpful hints.
thanks Kerri…we love you.
Awwwwww!
/stamps foot that such cuteness on the part of Tyler should be ILLEGAL
Ty: Hi there! 6th grade!?!?! You are growing way too quickly. I thought I told you to slow down on that.
I love you too, sweetie.
Lisa: You’re welcome. Sorry it took me so long to get it out here! Love you, too.
Sheila: Next time look for my foot first! /hops around with throbbing toe
Hi from Australia you guys.
I am so glad you read my blog….it lessens the isolation of home schooling a brilliant Aspergers social misfit son!
I’ve had to almost give up my career to home school him and there are many days I wish I could sit by a billabong and SCREAM!!!! But I don’t. I instead lament on my blog and seek comfort from other Aspergers parents. You know, safety and sanity in numbers.
Autism awareness requires aware and informed people like all of us. Read the web sites, watch the TV, visit the blogs, and spare a smile for the parents who are doing it way tougher than me.
And if all else fails, come join me by the billabong to song Waltzing Matilda.
Thank you for your sponsorship
Megan: Hi! I found you via the Carnival of Family Life and have been enjoying your posts. I had to go look up billabong.
I’ll join you for a bit of a scream, just because it feels good sometimes. 
Sorry, honoured? 
Nicky: You’re welcome! Honored to.
[...] you know that April was Autism Awareness Month? I had no idea until My Name is Mommy brought it [...]
Hi,
I have a great little story of my dear little friend who has ‘come out the other end of autism’, so to speak. Of course there is no one thing that works for everyone, but this technique has worked for many, and I want to share it with the world of loving parents of vibrant kids with any of the autism spectrum. Please read my post:
Unlocking the Mystery of Autism found at:
http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2007/03/14/unlocking-the-mystery-of-autism/
Cindy: Thanks so much for visiting and for sharing your post.