In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues 
within the autism community.
My son has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome (or what some call High Functioning Autism); and we suspect his father, his grandfather and uncle are as well, but when you know an Aspie you start seeing them everywhere! So, I jumped at this chance to celebrate Autism – and that’s what I think it should be.
It may be controversial (everyone has their own opinion) but I think kids with Autism are just wired differently and are fabulous the way they are – our family specifically isn’t seeking a cure, but awareness and understanding. Sure, there are frustrations, but don’t all of us have exasperating parts of our 
personalities? The good news here is there is a “diagnosis” and thus a way to work through issues and gain an understanding of how an Autistic mind works differently if you or your child is Autistic.
My son was diagnosed the summer after his 2nd grade in school and at that time we struggled with whether or not to even seek a diagnosis, but when he started having social and academic issues at school we decided it was time and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. Having an IEP and having access to resources so my son can learn to work well with others and work with his way of thinking have made all the difference in his life. Here’s a bit more about our story if you’re interested.
So, when CafePress gave me a chance to tout their merchandise and offer all of you a $25 gi
ft card to buy your own, I couldn’t pass it up! They let me pick my own products and these reflect my feelings on the subject. First:
Love this “Embrace Differences Oval Sticker “ and it will go on my car! 🙂 What a great way to celebrate the folks with Autism who we love just the way they are!
We’re a family of Geeks and as such, this
Autism Operating System Raglan Tshirt tickled my funny bone, but is a poignant 
way to tell the same story. I’m proud of my son and he’s not broken, he’s just different.
And last, is funny – to be fair my son rolled his eyes at this one, but my daughter cracked up, so I opted for a coaster I could use on my desk. If you don’t get this one, I’m sure you’ll work it out, but this Asperger awareness coaster was a light way to celebrate Autism in our family.
As I mentioned earlier, to celebrate we’re giving away $25 to spend on whatever you want at Cafepress. Obviously if you would like to buy Autism awareness items you can and a handy link to explore what they have is here.
However, I’ve used CafePress for years are there are tons of things to explore there (did you know they have shower curtains?).
In order to enter, just leave a comment here about how Autism has touched your life.
One comment per person, valid for US residents only. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Entries accepted until Saturday, May 3rd at 12:00pm MDT. Winner will be notified via the email address you share and have 48 hours to reply.
Disclaimer:
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