Why does autism awareness matter?

*** PLEASE READ OUR POST ON BLUE VS REDInstead BY CLICKING HERE ***

For the kids–> that grow into adults

Everybody just wants to fit in. When you have autism awareness and acceptance, you are welcoming them into your world. Often, people on the spectrum appear to not care about social situations- but the truth is many care a great deal, but have no idea how to be a part of it/approach it. With your understanding it can help bridge that gap and help support them into the social situations-in which you will both benefit greatly.

When you are aware of the things Autism can entail, you may have a glimpse into their daily struggles- sensory needs/avoidances for example. You may better understand the lack of eye contact, the need for headphones (and they are not being a “punk” listening to music), avoiding certain textures, seats, hallways, etc. You can help adjust, you can take the detour with them, you can be WITH them. When you are autism aware, you are able to be WITH them instead of judging them.

When you see someone having a meltdown, you can work to find the solutions rather than aggravate the situation further (intentionally or unintentionally). You can work to be a support system instead of their trigger. It’s why we share our journey- so you know what autism looks like FOR US, and it may help you walk with us.

For the families

Though no parent owes you an explanation- I know for me personally I always feel the need to explain. Explain why I’m still talking for my 4 year old, explain why he’d rather play with the beanbags than dance, why he is more interested in the gravel than toys at the park. When you are autism aware, I don’t have to. You get it. You can comment on his drum beat being awesome vs asking why he’s drumming. You can tell him how cool his chewy looks instead of asking why he has it. You can stop him from leaving instead of judging me that he’s running. You can say “oh you’re excited!” When he screams instead of glaring at the parents that they can’t keep the kid quiet. Trust us, we’re aware we stand out. We are aware we, as a family unit, stand out for things our child may need/do, but we would love to not have to explain or defend.

Often many of the things associated with autism can look like bad parenting if you don’t know enough. Delayed potty training, meltdowns that look like tantrums, playing with food instead of eating it, mouthing things that aren’t food, extremely picky eating, strict rigidity in schedule and/or routine, lack of language, etc. If you are autism aware, you understand these are things the child/adult with autism are dealing with because of the Autism, not because their parents failed at some point. Your understanding and lack of accusations can mean the world to an autism family.

For the research & programs

When you contribute to places that are able to research Autism and therapies, you are helping families like ours get what is best for our kids! We can learn if there is diet that helps, an approach to learning that helps, and more. It gives parents who are feeling scared and not sure how to help their little one have the happiest (least frustrating) life possible. It helps centers take parents concerns and use research based methods to help kids grow. It helps them stay up to date on latest technologies and supports because they know what is proven to work. Therapists (home and center) take the research and supplies and use them to the best of their ability to help our children grow into their best self.

With all this information, we ask you please be Autism Aware. You spread autism awareness. You do everything you can to help us spread the love and understanding of all those experiencing autism-the children, the adults, the families, and the therapists thank you.

Here is a peak into Nolan’s center so you can see a bit of why they are important and what they do.

How you can be and share autism awareness:

Wear autism awareness gear!

Show you support autism and when someone asks you why you can tell them. Spread the love! Great shops that support autism by offering ways you can show it off too!

• Gabbowlous Boutique
• Piper Lou Company
• Charlie’s Project
• On a Mission Apparel
• Me and Zoey
• Autism Optimism Boutique

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Light it up blue!

A blue lightbulb is a great way to literally light it up blue! I also make wreaths that are available for purchase HERE.

Walk for Autism!

If you are NOT local, find a walk to walk in! If you google walk for autism (city) something is likely to come up. They have many pop up in April!

If you are local to us sign up to join the Fox Cities Walk for Autism sponsored by Friend of Autism. You can sign up with the button below. If you would like to join Nolan’s Team: Strolling 4 Nolan, use the same link and choose “Strollin’ 4 Nolan”

This walk promotes unity, light it up blue, and fundraising all in one!

Again this year, I (#bookladygloudemans) will be running a cards for a cause fundraiser. You get 30 beautiful cards, their envelopes, AND the keepsake box for $31. That is a really good deal on cards! The proceeds (43%) then go to Friends of Autism-the local autism group sponsoring the Autism Walk we are participating in. They will be donated in the Strollin’ for Nolan name. YOU MUST BE LOCAL TO PURCHASE CARDS OR BE WILLING TO PAY SHIPPING TO GET THEM FROM ME as cards can only be shipped to one location (my house). Last year we donated $500, our goal is to tie or beat that this year! If you are interested in the cards and supporting the Strollin’ for Nolan team you can fill out the order form by clicking the button below.

If you just want to make a monetary donation towards the walk, you can do so by clicking the button here:

We will also be doing a book drive for Nolan’s Autism center, Connections, LLC. I will collect monetary donations (PayPal family and friends) to give the center to use to purchase any books that they think would be a fit for the student’s at the center’s needs. To top it all off, our awesome company will match the donation at 50% as well! The more money donated the more they can buy AND the more in rewards they get. You can make a PayPal donation by clicking the payment information below. It will bring you to PayPal–please send family and friends so we do not have to miss out on on donation in fees.

***Connections, LLC is a for profit company that services children with Autism. Because it is for profit, this donation is not able to considered a tax write off.****

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