Acting Balanced: The Unofficial start to my #Autism Awareness Month event

Tomorrow is the official start to Autism Awareness month on Acting Balanced, but I just wanted to share a few things today!

First off, I wanted to let each and every one of you know how thankful I am that you're reading this post - if you know someone who has been touched by Autism, please share my link with them, and even if you've only been touched by it peripherally, please know that I am organizing this month to

spread the word about Autism,
about companies who are participating by sponsoring Autism Speaks or other organizations
about families and caregivers who are dealing with Autism on a daily basis
celebrate people with Autism
share a variety of perspectives on research, treatment and support systems

I decided at the outset that I would allow perspectives and options to be showcased whether I personally understand it or not. Each guest post is written from the individuals' perspective and may not match mine or yours. I think debate and research is key to gaining more understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders, but please be polite and respectful.

I also wanted to let you know about

LIGHT IT UP BLUE -

which is a campaign by Autism Speaks to generate awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

You can get more information about it at http://www.lightitupblue.org/

My family will all be wearing blue tomorrow and Saturday!

I also plan to light up our Palm Tree blue tomorrow and Saturday night!

The third thing I've done is started a Light It Up Blue fundraising page at: http://blue.autismspeaks.org/mysite/actingbalanced

where you can support Autism Speaks with a financial donation!

I am hoping to raise $250 for Autism Speaks this month through that portal, so if you can, please give!

Please grab my button from the sidebar ---- ) and display it on your blogroll or write a post about it if you can!

Finally, I've recently found another blogger who is also hosting a month long event on her blog at: http://manyhatsmommy.com/ - please stop by and show her some bloggy love for her event too!

If you are hosting an event or even just writing a post about Autism this month, please let me know here in the comments or by emailing me the URL to heather@actingbalanced.com

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Jenny · 730 weeks ago

I like the way you are putting it out there at the start what your goal is for the month. I also like that you are encouraging a variety of opinions, but with respect. So sad when people in our autism world get nasty and forget our goal--to help those on the spectrum. Kudos!
My recent post ONE!

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kerihouchin 63p · 730 weeks ago

Can I ask you a question? I feel like my daughter's behavior is very odd at sometimes. She displays many of the signs of autism, yet I feel like at seven years old her doctor would have diagnosed her by now. She has a hard time following simple directions or even understanding why she should. She throws screaming, crying temper tantrums the way she did at four if she gets in trouble. All of the issues I've talked with her doctor about have been put off as, "she will outgrow it." I don't want to be the crazy mom who thinks her child has every disease and condition, but I do want her to be happy. Is it possible that she has an undiagnosed spectrum disorder? Does that ever happen?
My recent post Dallas Pier 1 Tweetup recap

2 replies · active 730 weeks ago

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actingbalanced 78p · 730 weeks ago

I have a friend whose son wasn't diagnosed as on the spectrum until he was 15! �I would ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician or psychologist who can do an independent evaluation. �There are some basic tests that are non-invasive and pretty standard that can help get you answers.�

H.

Kelsi · 730 weeks ago

My son was the same way. I thought I was crazy for a long time (and got tons of crap from doctors, friends and family for it!), come to find out that he has seizures, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism AND possibly ADHD/Bipolar (I'm waiting before we diagnose these two). Definitely follow your heart, mommy knows best! I would recommend you get her in to see a psychologist. I'm surprised that after you expressing your concerns repeatedly, your doctor didn't recommend something similar.

Often times, kids with Auditory Processing Disorder (where they don't have the ability to process the information they hear) have the symptoms you described. Something else to look into.
Blessings,
Kelsi
My recent post Autism Behaviors

FatAngryBlog 47p · 730 weeks ago

I don't write a lot about autism on my blog, even though Son has autism. I did write one post about it if you are curious. It's about how Stan Lee helped me communicate with my son via Spiderman... http://fat-angry-blog.blogspot.com/2011/03/thank-...

Stacie · 730 weeks ago

I didnt' know about the campaign for Light It Up Blue so I will proudly share that on my blog. It's nice to see others promoting Autism Awareness. I know I plan to this month :)