To celebrate Light It Up Blue, I invited friends, families and business owners to join me in the effort to raise awareness for autism & I've been so humbled by the rally of support. And it's also raised my awareness of how common autism awareness actually is in our country, even still. "Autism" is a huge buzz word in our society, especially in the debate over medical care and vaccinations and "kids today". With the growing numbers of diagnosis world wide - the CONSERVATIVE guess is 1 out of every 150 kids, but more recent studies are showing closer to 1 in ever 97 kids on the spectrum - there's a good chance that your family is affected by autism or a family you're very close to is. And there's a REAL good chance that someone you know is because - duh - you're reading my blog.
I'll admit - It's hard for me to really make an objective gauge on how prevalent the buzz about autism is in the world because it makes up about 98% of my world. It has changed how I eat, what I read, where I shop, who I spend my time with, where I go to the doctor. It has guided me to meet new people & stay away from others. It's my life. It's my mission & it's the mission of so many people I know. And I'm smart enough to realize that not everyone will care as much about autism as I do & honestly - I'm a tad jealous most days of that. Because it means you dont have to because it hasnt turned your life upside down. Its the same way I'm super excited I dont have to know much about diabetes - I care about it, and I want to know about it but I'm not trudging through it so I do what I can be content to learn for the sake of supporting those I love. And because of that fact, the support of those invited who opted in to Light It Up Blue, maybe for me and maybe for someone else they know, is overwhelming. To those who take part, it may just be a literal light bulb. But for me, it's a figurative light bulb in a lot of ways & it warms my heart to see the support.
So I thought it might be good to put some ideas out there. The whole point of Light It Up Blue is to do something out of the ordinary so that someone will ask "What's the dealio?" and open that opportunity to have a conversation about autism. So what else can you do besides a bulb? Let's brain storm!
- Hang up or wear a glow stick.
- Hang up blue Christmas Lights.
- Put a sign in your yard or window.
- Wear blue clothes for the day.
- Wear blue make up for the day.
- Wear blue underwear and tell everyone you pass. (I just wanted to see if anyone was really paying attention on this one. Please dont. If you do, however, please reread your work's sexual harassment policy by April 1st. And dont blame me for any slaps in the face.)
- Men - vacuum. This has nothing to do with Light It Up Blue, but seriously - just do it anyway. (Ladies - you're welcome)
- Paint your fingernails blue. This is SUPER effective for men to get questions. I actually always keep my left blue pinky fingernail painted blue regardless of what color the rest of my nails are painted. Someone once asked if I was in a cult... I found it weird that that's where his brain went.
- Wear blue hair extensions. I think Sally Beauty supply has them for like $5.
- Change your email background or font to blue for the day or the month.
- Ladies - wear something blue and sexy for your man! (Men, YOU'RE welcome.)
There's more ideas out there, so be creative. Think St. Patty's Day, and do all that stuff, only blue. (gluten free blue beer anyone?!?!)
So here's the part that will be tricky for most people I think - when someone does ask you "Dude...what's up with your blue beer?" what are you supposed to say to them? If you have the time, go to www.autismspeaks.org and read up a little bit. But otherwise, here's some quick tips on what you can tell them & where to refer them.
"Autism" is a general term to describe a host of complex disorders. Autism takes on many, many appearances - from that quiet, quirky kid in your class to kids who are severely physically and mentally impared - some to the point of being non-verbal. There isnt just one "cause" for autism. There's alot of research being done, including the Autism Genome Project looking at the genetic basis of autism. Research is also looking into triggers from the immune system, gastrointestinal issues and prenatal care by the mother. It's commonly stated "genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger". Autistic children and adults simply have a completely different way of looking at the world around us. "Rainman" is no longer the face of autism - strangly enough, Jenny McCarthy kinda is! Recovery is possible in some cases through diet changes & restrictions and other treatments. Therapies are often utilized - applied behavior thearpy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy - but in many states are not convered by insurance. For families who have a child recently diagnosed with autism, Autism Speaks has what they call the 100 Day Packet available for download on their website offering information and resources to help get through the confusion. For anyone who is in need of having their child evaluated, contact your local school district. Some districts have programs available.
Some autism websites:
Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org
Generation Rescue www.generationrescue.org
FAU Center for Autism Research and Development http://www.coe.fau.edu/centersandprograms/card/default.aspx
Dan Marino Foundation www.danmarinofoundation.org
Oakstone Academy www.oakstoneacademy.org & www.oakstoneacademypalmbeach.org
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