Just Some Facts

It's still Autism Awareness Month. Some of the signs from the Autism Speaks walk share facts that remind us why this issue is so important to our society.

The biggest and foremost are the staggering numbers of those directly impacted by becoming diagnosed. The numbers are increasing, and no one knows why.

If you do the math, that's 24,455 people per year, which is almost the entire population of our town ... in just one year.

Many people wish that science or doctors could detect autism at the earliest stage possible. It would also give them a clear description of the condition and a map of action that could produce concrete results. Some people wish that Autism could be cured with a pill. Others (including those on the spectrum) see it as a part of themselves. Insurance companies ... well, that's a whole other universe.


But somehow, it doesn't seem to be a priority at the national, policy-making levels (yet):


Again, the problem is not holding steady, fluctuating, or decreasing, it is GROWING:


This growth in numbers of those affected by autism, combined with evidence-based practice supporting the importance of early intervention, makes me want to scream when the budgets for these early clinical and support programs get reduced or axed. We are cutting a few dollars now with the result that more services will be needed, and at greater cost, a few short years down the road.



And what do these facts actually *look* like? Well ...

They look like families


Who come together


Support each other

(the banner says "I love my brother with Autism")

and walk for answers


Because:


and

It. Was. AWESOME!

We just got back from the Windsor Town Green and our second Autism Speaks walk, and I have to tell you, it was awesome! The weather cooperated, the Town Green is made for families, and it felt so good to see so many of them come out and support each other.




We got there nice and early this year. It was mighty nice to be able to pop into a shop and get a coffee or muffin.


Because we were early, we had time to play some of the games and try the exhibits.



It was very moving for me to see the families show support of one another. It truly makes a huge difference.



For example, this year, James' Nana helped raise money and came with us on the walk.


We got to see some of our Friends:




And we are moving forward toward our goals.



Thank you everyone for helping us. It truly makes a difference.

Special Exp. / Wordless Weds: Walking Home

One thing I remember looking forward to doing, upon our move up here, was being able to walk our children to and from the local K-1 school. It's only about 4 blocks away, and the walk seemed like it would be so sweet.

Little did I know the frustration I'd have to wait through. The years of kids in preschoool (so long while it lasted, so short looking backward). The heartache of finding new daycare every 6 months. Having to rush some of the dropoffs due to conference calls with the east coast for work from the home office. The bitterness of not being able to walk my daughter as much as I wanted to because too often I had to be at home, waiting with her brother for the bus to show up. The focus on having to drive everyone for one whole school year because the bus lost James his first afternoon for over an hour and I wouldn't trust them with him again. Encouraging my daughter to make the walk with me and not let her whine about it being too far.

Now at last I am enjoying that walk with James. It's even sweeter because for a while I did not know if he'd be able to attend this school, let alone be in a regular class. James is a morning guy, loves meeting new people, and adores Kindergarten. He can hardly wait to get to school in the morning, and chatters about the day to come.

Walking home is an adventure ...

Because we get to walk through a bigger playground where he actually gets to play during the school day!

And who knows what we will see on our way home? We always love to take the "short cut" through this country corner:

One Friday the F-18 was buzzing us all the way from school to home in preparation for the local Air Show ...

And already the trees are changing colour, and dropping leaves for us to kick and crunch:

So the world is a bigger and more exciting place for James right now, and his excitement matches mine on our walks home together.

For more great images or to share your own, Visit Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.



and ... Wordless Wednesday

SOOC Saturday: Weekend Edition

A walk to the River:






A morning of adventure!



James threw rocks with both hands, but mostly used his left. He's been switching more lately to using his left hand for writing. A lefty! Mr Southpaw! That runs in my mom's family. My brother's daughter is a lefty too.



James could have done this allllll day!



The Slurping Life is tying one on! Visit Melody and check out SOOC Saturday/Sunday entries past & present!



  

Exploration

James has always liked water. The fountains on the Town Green have fascinated him since the first time he saw them. This year, he is finally able to explore around them.


On his first fountain expedition, he toddled over to them and immediately tried to get his feet in the water, shoes and all. He'd lean over the sides and stick in his hand, usually up to his shoulder. Once, the entire side of his head almost kissed the bottom. Most un-fun. I'd have to hold him in a flying position and zoom him into the mini waterfalls. He'd let the water spill over his hands and laugh. The gravel nearby was obviously meant to be scooped up and thrown into the water. To be fair, his sister was fond of this too.

This year, James can hold onto part of the fountain and reach out to let the waterfall spill over his hands. He is not so interested in plunking his shod feet in the water. Although he will do it if he is sufficiently bored.

The gravel goes into the grates in the ground.

He walks along the fountain edges, trying to keep up with his sister.

James will also cross the fountain, counting his footsteps. I can tell he is getting much more self-confident, because he is doing it much faster now. And has fallen in twice.

I love trips to the fountains. They are like an OT session. Maybe a little more fun. With a lot less driving.