Did you know that approximately one in every 1000 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autistic-spectrum disease?
Did you know that boys are 5 times more likely to suffer from a disease on the autistic-spectrum than girls?
There are many speculations on what can cause or trigger autism in children, but I actually want to share a personal statement on why autism awareness is important to me.
For the last 8.5 years, I have worked with a very sweet boy who has Asperger's Syndrome. His condition is considered very high functioning, but he has a marked difficulty with social situations, reading body language and other social cues that most people take for granted, as well as an extremely literal translation of speech, among other things. There are some people who remark on his "peculiarity", and there are others who don't see past it to the very open and lovable boy that he is.
But, he has support. He has a very extensive IEP (Individualized Education Program). His school understands the importance of socializing higher-functioning autistic children, and not alienating them. Our school district even provides aid for him during the summer, when he attends summer camp.
These are all important components to helping those with Asperger's Syndrome. More and more people are becoming aware of the higher incidence of Autism and Autistic-spectrum diseases. If there is a physical or environmental cause for Autism, I am all for discovering it. But I don't think that the controversy should over shadow the fact that more educators, health care providers, psychologists, and caregivers should be learning about Autism to help the children that suffer NOW. Every child should have the same support that I see in my daily life.
Do you know any children (or adults) that have been diagnosed with Autism or Asperger's? Do you have a more personal experience with either? Leave a comment about if or how Autism or Asperger's has affected you.
To add my voice to the supporters of Autism Awareness, I am giving away one of the the following two prize-packs. MOCKINGBIRD and HARMONIC FEEDBACK are both YA novels that deal with girls who live with Asperger's, and ADAM is a film about a young man who has to overcome his social difficulties that living with Asperger's involves.
To a U.S. Winner:
To an International Winner:
Rules:
1. Your comment is your entry. DO NOT leave your email in your comment, there is a form for that below.
2. One winner will be selected. U.S. winner gets U.S. prize pack. International winner gets International prize pack.
3. Must be at least 13 years old to enter.
4. Please fill out the address form after you comment.
For more information on Autism:
Autism Speaks
This Giveaway Hop is hosted by:
Lindsay at: Just Another Book Addict
Heather at: Fire and Ice Photo
Pixie at: Page Turners Blog
Kathy at: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
A full linky list of the participating blogs is available at each host site.
