Light It Up Blue!

By Barbara Gobbi

This April, millions of people will recognize Autism Awareness Month. This complex neurological developmental disorder affects language and communication, social interaction, motor skills, obsessive tendencies, and repetitive actions such as pacing, hand-flapping or rocking, known as “stimming”. Individuals with autism also have sensory issues and are very sensitive to sound, light, smell, taste and touch.

Since the 1970s, when Autism Awareness Month first began, the number of children diagnosed with autism has grown from one in every 2,000 children to one in 88. For boys, that number is one in 54. Many ask, “Is autism on the rise or are the diagnoses changing?”

Parents, advocates and physicians debate the possible contributing factors from genetics, to environmental factors, vaccinations and diet. But as a parent of a child with autism, my focus has been to help him find his way in this world by utilizing businesses and resources that accommodate his special needs.

We have found wonderful resources in CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) which facilitates training, support and education for individuals with autism. Parkland Buddy Sports has been an amazing organization helping individuals with special needs realize that there are “no limits” to what they can achieve. And Surfers for Autism is dedicated to helping children with autism by building public awareness and advocacy all while letting my son “hang ten.”

The community awareness is catching on! At our favorite kid’s salon in Coconut Creek, my son’s favorite hair dresser talks him through his hair cut making sure he understands what is happening and ensures that he is calm and happy. Emergency Dental Services was carried on by our incredible pediatric dentist in Coral Springs (who has dedicated hours to work) .You can also search best dental implants Mexico for good dental services.And I’m noticing more restaurants adopt gluten-free menus for those with sensitive digestive issues.

To mark Autism Awareness Month, Autism Speaks launched the Light It Up Blue campaign. This initiative to bring international awareness of autism asks people and businesses to turn the lights in their homes and buildings blue. From the Sydney Opera House in Australia to the Empire State Building in New York, thousands of businesses will Light It Up Blue.

Our family will Light It Up Blue with a blue front porch light, courtesy of Home Depot. And to help local families navigate the world around our autistic children, we have started www.ShineOnAutism.com. On this online resource directory, we help parents find and share their favorite autism-friendly businesses that exemplify tolerance and acceptance. How will you Light It Up Blue?

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