April is Autism Awareness month. Autism has struck us pretty close to home, our son Anakin was diagnosed with it when he was two. It’s been a struggle and a blessing. He’s 8 and non-verbal, but he’s learning new signs all the time. He’s starting to pick them up faster and it’s so awesome to see the progress he makes everyday. He’s such a little sweetheart & his laughter is almost magical.
If you’ve never met any one with Autism, odds are that you will soon, about 1 in 150 American children are diagnosed with it every year.
“Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.” (From the Autism Society of America Website)
“Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
- Lack of or delay in spoken language Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms
- (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest in peer relationships
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects “
(From the Autism Society of America Website)
More information on autism
To help the cause for every wedding package booked in April I’m donating $50 to the Autism Speaks.
I’m also giving away a free portrait session* to a Quad-City area child with autism. The winner will receive a 1 hour portrait session in a location (in the Quad-City area) the child is comfortable in, a disk with High resolution digital files from the session and a free 8×10. To enter just send an e-mail to tiffanie@tiffanieimages.com with the following.
- Name
- Phone Number
- E-mail address
- Age of the child
A drawing will be held May 5th to select the winners. If you have any questions e-mail them to Tiffanie@tiffanieimages.com.
Here is an image of last years winner.
If you would like to make a personal donation to Autism speaks you can do so here or to the ASA.
These are some other helpful links if you want to learn more about Autism or know someone with autism and are looking for help.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.autism-society.org/
http://www.autismlink.com/
http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/index.htm
Quad-cities Support groups
http://www.autismqc.org/calendar.htm
http://www.qcautismcenter.org/page/page/2959054.htm
QC yahoo group – http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/quadcityautism/
Iowa Services – http://www.autismlink.com/locations/view/16
Illinois Services – http://www.autismlink.com/locations/view/14
Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet information
Recipes, menu planning & info – http://gfcf-diet.tacanow.org/
http://www.gfcfdiet.com/
* Portrait session will be based on availability. No substitutions.
