Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A is for Autism Awareness Month


A couple of years ago, a Twitter friend participated in the A - Z Challenge.  I had considered it, but ultimately did not participate.  This year I have decided to give it a try.  I blog on what inspires me which can be anything from my kids, birds, the bike path and even celebrities.  I am hoping to be alphabetically inspired enough to complete this challenge!


So as April is upon us, A is for Autism Awareness Month. 


My two sons, David (age 13) and Michael (age 12)  have both been diagnosed with autism.  While the early years were quite challenging, with a lot of hard work and perseverance, David and Michael are both successful middle school students.  They both are on the High Honors Roll and members of the student council.  

When David was born in 2001, autism was 1 in 150.  In March, 2014, thirteen years later,  the CDC released the prevalence of autism in the U.S.  They now say 1 in 68 children have some form of autism.  

We have seen other parents' daunting challenges.  So many parents have to deal with much more severe issues than we do.   While we certainly have had our issues and still continue to battle with some social issues Michael struggles with, quite frankly my husband and I have been fortunate.  We have had phenomenal teachers, tutors and friends providing an invaluable support system and life experiences for our sons.  They are inquisitive, bright and love to learn.  They prefer museums to amusement parks and are game to go almost anywhere.  They love politics, history and sports.  I am sure we will continue to have hurdles to jump, but I am very proud of the young men David and Michael are becoming. 




16 comments:

  1. wishing you all the best - I love the positive thoughts flowing from your post! my A was for Awesome - and I think you are Awesome mother of Awesome kids!! :) all the best!!!

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    1. thank you so much for stopping by and for YOUR awesome words. I truly appreciate your kind words. We keep plugging along but I do have to agree that they are awesome! xoxo

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  2. My cousin is on the autism spectrum. It can be hard when people don't understand. I'm glad you're using A to Z to promote awareness.

    Good luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
    A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
    http://pensuasion.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for the encouragement. Good thoughts to you and your cousin! xoxo

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  3. What a positive post. I can see what a great mother you are to your boys through your words.

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    1. thank you for stopping by and for your supportive comment. Thanks for the vote of confidence, we are trying our best! xoxo

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  4. Thank you for sharing your story! You are a supermom! ��

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    1. LOL Veronica - that is so kind of you to say, but I am not a supermom - I'm just a mom, and I try and do the best I can. Sometimes I don't do so well, but that's how we learn I suppose. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. I enjoyed reading your post and will be popping back by to follow your A-Z progress. Best wishes on your journey.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, commenting and your well wishes Scarlet! xoxo

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  6. I backtracked to see "A". Looking forward to see more blogs.

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  7. As I said before I admire you for your strength! you've been doing an amazing job!

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  8. I am about to turn 50 so your blog title caught my eye. I am also a teacher who has taught many children with autism. I am so pleased to read that you have had positive experiences in your school system. I know that is not always the case. I look forward to reading more of your A to Z as well. You sound like a terrific mom who is very supportive and caring. All the best, Cheryl

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    1. Hi Cheryl - glad you found and enjoy reading my posts. We have been very very lucky when it comes to school. We've had truly wonderful teachers. I admire all of you that dedicate yourself to education all children, but special needs children in particular. Some can be very difficult. Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

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