Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month! I have been working with individuals on the autism spectrum (in one way or another) since I was 12 years old. Autism awareness is a cause near and dear to my heart.

Here are some facts about autism:

**1 in 166 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder everyday

**Autism is the second most common developmental disability, following mental retardation

**It is four times more common in boys than girls

**Autism impairs a person's ability to understand, interact, and communicate with others

Here are some characteristics of individuals with autism:

**Have trouble relating to others or have no interest in doing so

**Avoid eye contact

**Prefer to be alone

**Appear to be unaware of when other people talk to them but responds to other sounds

**Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or emotions

**Laugh, cry, or show distress for no apparent reason

**Prefer not to be held or cuddled (or only when they want to)

For more information, see the Autism Society of America website or Autism Society of NC website, or the Autism Speaks website.

For a look into what life with autism can be like, view this video (approx. 7 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDMMwG7RrFQ

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This is God's promise for ALL his children!!