“What a difference a year makes.”
I've said those words a lot lately. Mostly, of course, I've been referring to Billy's phenomenal progress. Since this time last year we've had the following breakthroughs: total potty training, asking all kinds of questions, reading (sight words and sounding out), riding a tricycle, awesome holidays (his birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas – all thumbs up!) ... the list goes on an on.
But I've changed too.
About a year ago, I called myself The Grinch Who Stole Autism Awareness. Because that's how I felt. You can read the words of cranky, Grinchy 2010 me, if you want. I'm still cranky and Grinchy about a lot of things. But this year I'm on board with Autism Awareness.
Why? Let me count the reasons ...
Reasons I am on board with Autism Awareness Month 2011 (also known as "April")
Because autism in our house looks different than autism in other people's homes and as reflected in the brains of other children and adults, and if I don't share our perspective, I can blame the people in the world who think autism just looks like this:
Also, with budgets getting slashed left and right, the most vocal group – the one of which the most politicians are “aware” (aware=scared will show up at their office with an army of autistic protesters) -- is least likely to be forgotten when funding is being doled out.
There are plenty of parents still unable to afford therapy for their children, and there are autistic adults unable to find the supports in their community that they need to live as independently as possible. Awareness helps connect people with the services, supports and programs that exist and helps identify the gaps in he community that we still need to fill.
So with that in mind, we have quite a few plans for Autism Awareness Month this year. In fact, there's so much going on in the Broadfeet household that you'd think this Grinch had discovered a whole new holiday season.
We're planning a local screening of the wonderful pro-neurodiversity film Loving Lampposts scheduled here in Tallahassee, a screening that will raise money for the Autism Foundation of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. This foundation directly serves families in our region dealing with autism, from childhood through adulthood. I'll have more on the filmmaker and this remarkable film at the end of March.
I'm sponsoring a "Life Is A Spectrum" art competition at Billy's elementary school, from which we'll be creating a special autism awareness postcard. The winner will also receive a cash prize and four tickets to Disney. It's our way of turning a bullying experience into a positive message about autism!
We also have some special autism-awareness-themed giveaways planned, including some designed for parents, some for kids and one special prize for other bloggers out there who will help us spread the word. And from now through the end of April, I'm going to highlight awareness events in the sidebar of the blog here, so if your community or organization has one planned, send me a message, because I'd love to share your hard work with everyone here.
More information on our stuff is coming very soon, I promise, but I would like to go ahead and encourage you to get involved with your autism community this April. If you can join a walk, make a financial contribution to a cause, share information or, best yet, donate your babysitting time to the parents of an autistic child, your “donation” will be appreciated by all of us.
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Wednesday June 15 2011 03:37:37 am
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The man then begins to undo his pants and begins pissing. He starts pissing all over the bar, spraying on the bottles and the bartender, not making a single drop in the cup.
The bartender starts smiling and laughing and says, "That's it, you owe me three hundred dollars."
The man then gets up and walks over to the pool table and starts laughing and shaking hands with the men standing there. He walks back to bar, sits down and starts laughing at the bartender and hands him the money.
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The man then begins to undo his pants and begins pissing. He starts pissing all over the bar, spraying on the bottles and the bartender, not making a single drop in the cup.
The bartender starts smiling and laughing and says, "That's it, you owe me three hundred dollars."
The man then gets up and walks over to the pool table and starts laughing and shaking hands with the men standing there. He walks back to bar, sits down and starts laughing at the bartender and hands him the money.
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The bartender said, "itis impossible. So, I'll bet you three hundred dollars."
The man then begins to undo his pants and begins pissing. He starts pissing all over the bar, spraying on the bottles and the bartender, not making a single drop in the cup.
The bartender starts smiling and laughing and says, "That's it, you owe me three hundred dollars."
The man then gets up and walks over to the pool table and starts laughing and shaking hands with the men standing there. He walks back to bar, sits down and starts laughing at the bartender and hands him the money.
The bartender asks, "Why are you laughing? You just lost the bet."
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Grinchy grinch heart no more!
Friday March 18 2011 12:17:30 pm
Stephanie
Wow! I am soooooo impressed with the Disney tix giveaway. We r on our way back from Disney now and I was just telling my family your story. Good karma is coming to you someday my friend.
Proud of you
Thursday March 17 2011 11:59:02 am
Floortime Lite Mama
So proud of you
you and I are on the same journey
Brava!
Thursday March 17 2011 11:48:25 am
Maura
Brava, Amanda. I'm very proud of you. I'd love to feature you on 36x37 in April for Autism Awareness if you have time and think you'd be interested. Let me know...
Thursday March 17 2011 10:44:38 am
writerwoman61
I think "the cause" is lucky to have you as such a vocal supporter, Amanda! I'm pleased that you've chosen to share your family's story with us...I've learned a lot from you!
Hugs,
Wendy
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Thursday March 17 2011 01:31:29 am
Cheryl D.
Billy's progress this past year is really wonderful! You're involvement in getting the word out is also really great! That's been a struggle for me. Other than my blog, I don't really do much publicly. I don't participate in walks or fundraising. I think when the time comes to come clean with my daughter is when my public involvement will take off!
Total 12 comments