Autism Awareness

When some one hears the word Autism, an instant thought crosses their mind. Whether it is "what is Autism?" or "that poor child, or family." Autism, like any other disease or disorder is scary, threatening and people who are afflicted are looked down upon until awareness and knowledge about this disorder are learned.  There are many different levels of Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorders, (ASDs). The child will be impaired by social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication as well as very limited activities and interests.

 

Some people, when they think of an autistic child may think of that little girl in the movie "House of Cards." Where if something is different she makes an autistic scream until what is different is returned to what she deems normal. That in some cases does happen. Repetition and normality are essential in an autistic child's life. That is also true in a normal child as well.

 

There are those autistic children that have to put everything in a row, makes things even and have things perfect for them to move on with another project. That rings true with some other disorders such as OCD.

 

In the extreme cases, the brain does not know how to communicate with the rest of the body, and the child stays in almost a vegetative state. Most parents see the first signs of Autism in the early months of the child's life. The child is not stimulated by most normal objects or sounds. The child is unable to focus on some one saying their name. As the child grows so do the symptoms of autism. Rocking, the child rocks themselves in almost a scary nature. Biting and hitting and other sorts of violent behavior can occur, and they may pull back from affection.

 

Children with autism are more open to other disorders as well. Tourette syndrome, learning disorders and attention deficit disorders. As well as fragile X syndrome which can cause mental retardation and epilepsy, (seizures).

One in every 166 children are diagnosed with autism. That is an alarming number. There are so many children out there, who all they want is love and attention, but are afraid because their brain is telling them to run away. To push, hit, bite and scream. It is not who they are.

There are organizations out there that their goal is to raise awareness of Autism. The autism alliance is one of them. They have the support of Kansas City Missouri and have a 5k walk for April 18, 2009! to raise awareness of autism.

Not knowing is one thing. To know that there is knowledge out there and the refusal to do so is a crime in itself. Ignorance gets people no where. And it stops help for these beautiful children in its tracks. Help raise awareness and support for these children, help find a way for them to live a more fulfilling life. A life we would want for our own children.

 

You can register for the Autism Awareness walk at www.autismalliancekc.org

 

 

 

 

 

Catch A Special Thrill - C.A.S.T. for Kids The CAST for Kids Foundation joins volunteers who love to fish with disabled and disadvantaged children for a day of fishing in the outdoors.

 

 

Learn More about this wonderful event and watch one of their last events down at El Dorado Lake Wichita Kansas