Thursday, March 31, 2011

LIGHT IT UP BLUE FOR AUTISM

LIGHT IT UP BLUE FOR AUTISM
 APRIL 2, 2011


  Today is not my usual type of post because there is nothing funny about Autism.

On the evenings of April 1 and 2, 2011, prominent buildings across North America and the world — including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada — will turn their lights blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 2.



" Be the change you wish to see in the world"
 -Mahatma Gandhi

What does this mean?

Well it depends on whom you are talking to. Some might extract the definition that they have to rearrange their daily tasks to be more health- conscious or earth friendly. Others may pick up the implication that they need to do something big to change the way contrasting commonalities think; religion or political affiliation is a reoccurring exemplar. However, a vast majority seem to overlook Gandhi's simplistic meaning because of the constant need of a "deeper meaning." The immensity of the deed is not relevant in order to fabricate an influential chain of reactions.


Autism affects 1 in every 110 children. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S and tens of millions worldwide are affected by Autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate is increasing 10-17 percent annually.

My nephew has autism, and is positioned on the severe end of the spectrum. Autism, at a glance, is associated with impaired speech, social skills, communication, and motor movement originating from a nervous system disorder. For a more visual overview, picture a human brain as a puzzle. Each puzzle piece is absolutely necessary for the whole to function properly. With Autism, one or several puzzle pieces are missing, exerting the one individual out of 110, to see the world in a different light. There is no known cure, which is why organizations like Autism Speaks provide support for children and families as they grow and ultimately investigate a solution to the disability.

It's easy to participate. You can help support Autism Awareness day by wearing blue clothing, light up your house with blue lights, post an article in blue on your blog, change your profile picture to the Light it up Blue logo. Be creative! Be Blue!
Please join me by taking the pledge to LIGHT IT UP BLUE at: http://www.lightitupblue.org/
or
Click on the Autism Speaks  banner at the  top of the page.


If you light it up blue for Autism Speaks and put the Autism Speaks banner on your blog drop me a note and I will mention your blog in my next post.
If you make a donation at http://blue.autismspeaks.org/mysite/glynis I will mention you on my next post.


To read one  brave women's story please go to 
http://www.oneblondesramblings.com/2011/03/autism-hasnt-beaten-me/


For more information on Autism visit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/

I would like to thank my daughter Haley for being a contributing writer and letting me see the world through her eyes.


  
    

26 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post! Although our daughter does not have an spectrum diagnosis, she does have a brain disorder that shares a lot of similaraties with autism. I lkie the puzzel anaolgy. As a special needs parent, thank you for putting a spotlight on this issue. I always love to visit your site.

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  2. My kind of post:) Thank you for sharing!
    Madison

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  3. great post and love the quote! Following you back from MBC! Thanks for visiting!
    http://www.akahomeschoolmom.blogspot.com/

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  4. Thanks for this... I didn't even know there was a banner. I did a post about this and showed the video..
    http://www.oneblondesramblings.com/2011/03/video-friday-light-it-up-blue/

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  5. I will definitely be doing that. My Nephew is Autistic anything related to Autism is near and dear to my heart!

    Thanks for stopping by, I am now following you back!

    Hope
    http://www.peanutbutterandhopey.com

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  6. This is a post that I think everyone should read. I am a teacher and in my class right now, I have a child with Aspergers (falls on the higher end of Autism) He is the sweetest kid, but he definitely has his challenges. It is difficult to see him struggle. The more and more we learn about Autism the more we are able to teach Simon in a way that he will learn. This is a fantastic post. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. What an informative post. I am your newest follower and would love if you dropped by my blog at kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com when you have a chance. Have a fantastic weekend.

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  8. Hi. I am a new follower going backwards through the list. My daughter also has a brain injury that looks a lot like autism. It's called FASD and SPD. So many similarities. Wish that we were all working together as neurological disorders. I think that would make such a difference to the numbers and support for our children and youth. Happy Friday.

    Paula
    @inkscrblr
    http://www.thriftymommastips.blogspot.com/
    http://www.thriftymommasbrainfood.blogspot.com/

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  9. What a great post :) Have just found your blog through Follow Friday. My 14 year old has high functioning autism and greats to know you are not alone x

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  10. Love your post, I work with children and adults with autism, so right there with ya. Thanks for following me, I am now following back. : )

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  11. Love the Name of Your Blog!! Ain't that the truth, too!! LOL

    Just visiting from Follow Friday 40 & Over to say "Hello". I'm one of your newest followers. Have a wonderful weekend and plz stop by say hello to follow us too.

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  12. New follower from Follow Friday 40 & Over

    I too posted info about "Light it up Blue" this week. Let's hope they make good progress for your Nephew and all those with and affected by Autism.

    I also blog to vent, so I totally get that! =]

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  13. thank you for the great information. I'm a follower.

    http://momdaughterstyle.blogspot.com/

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  14. Hi,

    Following from Generations of Saving blog hop.

    Please stop by lionessrebirthorg.blogspot.com

    Lioness

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  15. new follower from blog hop when you get a chance come check my blog out http://adventuresfrugalmom.blogspot.com

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  16. Hi,
    I'm following you from the blog hop. If you'd like to follow back you can at www.measuredbytheheart.blogspot.com
    Please stop by for book club if you're interested--connie

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  17. Thanks for sharing this, my son has Autism and it's SO important to advocate for it!! Seeing this on your blog makes me smile =)
    I'm a new follower. Have a great Saturday,
    Kelsi
    ModernMomRedefined.blogspot.com

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  18. Great post. My daughter is "on the spectrum," though she doesn't have a definitive diagnosis. The statistics are too staggering, and something has to be done! Thanks! Also, thanks for stopping by from the blog hop.

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  19. Also, I put the banner and a logo on my blog (on the button page--my theme doesn't support banners.) I changed my profile pic, too! Thanks!

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  20. Such a great post to spread awareness.
    I'm a new follower from blog hop,and would luv for u to follow me back!
    BeeCute
    www.beecute1.blogspot.com

    Have a great week!

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  21. Hello! I am here visiting from the weekend blog hop! I am your newest follower! I hope to have you follow me back :)
    http://divvyupdiva.blogspot.com/

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  22. I love this blog, so I passed along the Versatile Blogger Award to you. Here's the link to check it out.
    http://thenotsospecialmother.com/?p=58

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  23. have awarded you The Versatile Blogger Award!! To learn more come by this post :)
    http://tanyaphotography-piecesofme.blogspot.com/2011/04/versatile-blogger-award.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am returning the follow. Thanks for stopping by. http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com
    www.reneeahand.com
    Thanks
    Renee

    ReplyDelete