April is Autism Awareness Month

Did you know that April is Autism Awareness Month?

 For those of you who may not know every day in my life is Autism Awareness Day, not just one month of the year, you see I am a mother of two Autistic Children.

Aujza proudly poses with her Doll and newly acquired Until Every Piece of The Puzzle Fits Outfit!

Autism is a Neurological Condition which is a fancy way of saying that people with Autism learn differently then people who do not have Autism.

You can also think of Autism Spectrum Disorder  like you would a computer. Some people have PC's and Some People have Mac's, while they are both computers they work a little differently and work towards the same goal, just like people who have Autism and those who don't.

 

So what does Autism Awareness have to do with dolls you may wonder...

Well I personally believe in the power of Doll Play and teaching through modeled behavior. Dolls are a great teaching tool and a fun way to learn.

 I also believe that both boys and girls learn through play and not just doll play.  Doll Play is and should be for everyone.

 You may have seen that puzzle pieces are used to represent Autism. The puzzle piece is used to explain that Autism is a Puzzling Disorder (It is not a Disease just so you know) hence the puzzle piece. Madelon sent in these photo's of Kit putting her puzzle together for Autism Awareness. She found them 2 for $1 on one of her recent shopping trips.

People who have Autism (as well as their families) are just like you. They often have things that they really like and things that they really don't like, just like you. You may have met or know many people who have Autism and not known it. The truth is you can not always tell a person has Autism just by looking at them, which is another thing people find puzzling.

 Chances are you have someone with Autism in your school, church or area that you know of and there are somethings you can do to befriend and be a good friend to someone with Autism. As with everyone you need to make a connection with that person, start by saying "Hello", sometimes you may have to do this several days in a row before you get an answer back sometimes you will get a "Hi" back, or a wave or nod. Get to know them by asking them (or the people around them, like teachers or classroom helpers) what they like, you may discover that they like dolls, or have the favorite color just like you.

 

I do not have all the answers on Autism and do not have a medical background but I give you this information as a parent and person who lives with Autism every day.

What I would  like you to do for Autism Awareness? 

Just to be aware that everyone is important, different and yet the same.  If you would like to change the world, start with yourself, choose to make the world you live in a nicer place for all, with your actions and your words.

As with all my posts I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

PS, if you or someone you know is living with Autism I would love to hear from you.