A = April and Autism

Of course! Autism is part of our regular life as our ten year old granddaughter is autistic. We spend time with her nearly every day.

You will hear a lot of talk of "lighting it up blue for autism awareness." May I ask that you don't? Light it up blue, that is.

You see, this campaign was started by a group called Autism Speaks. The problem with this group is that it does not speak for our girl nor does it speak for autistics in general. The blue is representative of the fact that the majority of the people with autism are male. My girls prefers pink.

Notice I did not say "children" with autism. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. Autism Speaks doesn't speak to that.

Also, Autism Speaks wants to "cure" autism.  Have they ever asked adult autistics if they want to be cured?  Where does their voice come in?

Jess over at A Diary of a Mom explains this so much better than I can. This blog post speaks specifically to the reasons why Autism Speaks no longer speaks for us.

Why don't we light it up purple? Doesn't blue plus pink = purple?

Blessings, gail

We Came, We Walked, We Conquered!

Team Isabella was in force for the Walk for Autism Speaks! We are different colors and shapes and ages. Boys, girls, women and men all out in force to support not only a little girl who stole our hearts from the moment she was born, but all people the autism spectrum has touched.

We have rarely needed the services of this wonderful organization but believe it worthy of our time and efforts. For more information, click here.

Towards the end of the 1.6 miles, Isabella had had enough. Her three uncles took turns carrying her 50+ pounds to the finish line. The noise and the crowds proved to be too much for her. She didn't even say hello to her teacher or best friend but this was okay. It is what it is.

Afterwards, we went out for brunch continuing our celebration of our love our precious girl. I asked everyone if it was okay for me to share our story and our picture. They were all eager to be included.

Next, several of us went to a book signing for Chicken Boy (click on Chicken Boy). This is an adorable book explaining a boy's autism in his own words. Very short and to the point.

After this, I quickly fell asleep and napped for three hours straight!

A good day, indeed.

Thank you for all your support! g

Team Isabella Walks Again

This Sunday, for the third year, Team Isabella will walk for Autism Speaks, an organization which helps families affected by autism.

We walk because:

...Isabella is Boo and I am Booboo, team captain.

...although Isabella can speak, she still can not express herself in a "typical" way.

...every 11 minutes, another family receives the devastating news that their child has a form of autism.

...at least 1 in 88 children are on the spectrum.

...parents and families and people on the spectrum need a place to go for resources.

...money is needed for research. Yes, we want to know what causes autism. Yes, we want the option to cure and prevent it.

...because we want to at least FEEL like we are doing something, anything to make a difference.

...because, when I spend time with my friend's neuro-typical four year old, I mourn a little bit despite loving Isabella just as she is.

...because we love.

If you would like to make a donation to Autism Speaks through Team Isabella, you can contact me at bonhomie7@msn.com.

Many blessings, g