Autism Awareness

Apr 16

April is Autism Awareness Month.
We are sharing some resources we found helpful, for both parents and nannies.
Let’s keep the conversation going and help our kids understand themselves and their peers.

This article, written by Bea Moise, M.S, BCCS and mother to a child on the spectrum, provides great perspective. She shares how PBS shows have been beneficial to her “awesomely autistic” kiddo.

“We tend to fear the unknown. When a child has not had the opportunity to be around a child on the spectrum, it is unfamiliar, and some stereotypical ASD behavior can be off-putting. As a parent with a child on the spectrum, all I want is for his peers to accept him for who he is. By exposing children to different people, this will increase their empathy and compassion for other people.”

Autism Speaks has an invaluable resource guide. You are able to search by state, support level and stage of life.

Operation Autism, A Resource Guide for Military Families is an online resource that understands the needs and provides support for our military families. Their goals:

Provide military families touched by autism with access to quality, evidence-based information about the disorder,
Identify sources of treatment and support on and off base,
Offer tips for dealing with some of the unique challenges military life poses for military dependent children with autism and their families,
Inform parents about their child’s educational rights and offer some practical strategies for success in the classroom.

Another great resource from Autism Speaks is their 100 Day Kit for Young Children. They also have one for older children.
“Knowledge is power, particularly in the days after an autism diagnosis. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of children ages four and under make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis.”

We realize this list barely scratches the surface of available resources, but it’s a place to start.
As with all things parenting, listen to yourself and be an advocate for what you know your kiddos need. Teach your children to be kind, supportive and patient with their friends with ASD.
Let’s be supportive of everyone’s needs!