Hello again! For those who don't know it April is AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH. I, as most of you already know, have a wonderful 5 year old daughter (just 1 of my 3!). Chesney is so smart. She loves to do art, she loves her mommy & daddy & her brother and sister. She loves spaghetti & meatballs. She is beautiful and has the most gorgeous smile. And she has Autism. For the most part, she "looks" like a normal 5 year old. But, she will never be normal. I have discovered that one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life is to watch my daughter slip away before my eyes. And KNOWING that I can't do a damn thing about it makes it even harder.
I thought that I might post a few fact and things like that on Autism so you can get an idea. I will also list some websites so you can get some info on your own.
* Autism is a developmental disorder that impacts normal development of the of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
* Because of different symptoms and behaviors each person with Autism shows, it is called a spectrum disprder.
* 1 in 150 children have Autism.
* More children have Autism than childhood Cancer, MS, and Cerebral Palsy COMBINED!!!
* Boys are more likely to have it than girls, however it seems to affect girls more severly.
* some symptoms are hand flapping, obsessive or repetitive behavior. spinning objects. little or no speech by 18 month (babbling). Severe meltdowns (a temper tantrum times 1 million) THERE ARE SO MANY MORE BUT TOO MANY TO LIST. AND EACH CHILD CAN SHOW DIFFERENT SYMPTOMS
*Not all children with Autism are like Rainman.
*There is no cure for Autism but some children can improve.
*~*~*~ There is obviously much more but too much to print.. Here are some websites or you can google Autism and so many great ones come up!
Kylestreehouse.org
autism-resources.com
autism.org
autism-society.org
autism.com
autismspeaks.com
~*~*~* If anyone has any questions or comments or know some one with Autism please!!!! comment on my blog or send me message!!!!!!
~~Please support Autism Awareness!!!!!
God Bless
Carrie