On any given day you can perform a search on eBay using the keywords autism awareness and find pages of items to purchase. I have used for several years now a tote bag to carry items with me to the library. This tote bag has the Autism Ribbon stitched on it with Autism Awareness underneath.
At this moment I currently have four bumper stickers on my vehicle. They are I love my autistic child, Proud Parent of an autistic child, Unlocking autism one child at a time and one that has a heart showing I love a child with autism.
A few weeks ago while driving back from the health club I heard a beep from the gentleman in the right lane. He yelled out that he liked my bumper sticker. I inquired to which one specifically and he laughed. He followed me closely to each stoplight to ask me questions. He was quite shocked that I responded to having two children on the spectrum! It was evident this parent was frazzled and in need of guidance. It came as no surprise when he told me he just got the diagnosis.
I purchase many autism buttons - handing them out to therapists, teachers and aides. In fact I do this every year at the end of March to get them ready for the month of April, which happens to be Autism Awareness Month. At the end of the year I also give out bookmarks, thinking that many presents may have been books they will be reading over the vacation period.
Whenever a print publication comes out with a front-page article profiling autism, I grab a few of the issues while at the drugstore and supermarket. Since these are the businesses my children frequent I hand one to all the clerks in the store. I explain to them that this is a story about children with autism similar to my kids. Many give me feedback at another time telling me they appreciated learning more about autism.
I tell teachers, therapists and aides about the articles hoping they will further their education on the subject. While attending conferences, seminars and school meetings I wear my autism buttons. If the occasion is casual I will wear a t-shirt indicating I am the proud parent of a child with autism. I use pens and writing pads that mention autism awareness. When we arrive at therapy sessions I am wearing a button and bracelet with my children wearing shirts to promote awareness.
During this summer you can start acquiring your Autism Awareness products to help promote awareness to everyone your family will encounter over this school break. Hopefully this will open up the lines of communication with those who are interested in learning more about autism in general - while giving parents an opportunity to share information about their child, what makes them so unique and loving.
Seaworld Shows
Toys to consider for Christmas
Autism Publications
Educational Autism Tips for Families 71 page resourceful ebook for families entering the school system with a recent autism diagnosis. Find out what issues take place over the course of a school day and meet these challenges head on.
