Help me help kids with Autism
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined. That means one child in the US is diagnosed every 20 minutes with something on the Autism spectrum.
And I know.
One year ago this month, both my girls were diagnosed with this developmental disability (DD) – the fastest growing DD in the US. What I was assured were just ‘twin things’ – playing by themselves for long periods of time, hand flapping, little eye contact – we’re actually signs of the disability.
Luckily, with the help of many people I have only met online, I realized I needed to trust my instincts and do something.
The early diagnosis allowed to girls to get help. (I have to give a special shout out to online pal and designer Susan McCool, who’s son also is affected with Autism. She encouraged me to be the much-needed advocate for my girls to ensure they would get therapy early on – which is the only scientifically proven way to help children with an Autism spectrum disorder. She explained the ins and outs of the (I must say) not so great system to get services.)
When my girls first started getting services at 2 years old, which include speech, occupational and life skills therapies, they couldn’t talk, eat with a spoon or fork, look me in the eye or even give me a hug.
Today, I have girls who communicate with me, play with their friends, smile constantly, not only eat properly but clean up after themselves afterwards… And best of all, every day I get tons of hugs and kisses. They are well on there way to live ‘normal’ (whatever that means), happy lives.
Although I know people are searching actively for a cure or medical detection, I’m more concerned with the kids who have Autism right now. You see, it was the services that have made a big difference to my kids – and to kids everywhere. But these therapies are severely underfunded.
And frankly, with one in 150 children having the diagnosis, we need to focus on services, just as much as finding a cure.
I’m working hard to give all I can to Autism charities that help children. But I am asking for your help.
I’m hosting a special sale for my new product, The Inside Scoop, which is (I think) the most comprehensive free publicity product out there. (You can read more about everything you get with it at http://InsideScoopPublicity.com)
So when you buy The Inside Scoop, I’ll donate a portion of your sale to Autism charities.
If you are considering learning about how to get media coverage to attract more prospects, make more money and get more credibility and visibility, please consider The Inside Scoop.
With so many families affected by Autism, your purchase will make a real difference.
Your children are fortunate to have such an energetic advocate for their mother. You have probably become acquainted with Temple Grandin’s work. She is an insightful commentator on autism and an inspiring example of how this diagnosis can open doors. Please continue to rely on the community you have created with your work.
Thanks for highlighting how important it is for parents to be advocates for their children when they sense something is not right. I have many friends whose children have been affected by autism, and I applaud you for taking positive steps to help other children affected as well. I have posted this offer to my Facebook page. Cheers!
Jennifer Fong
Shannon, you are so right about the need for services. My son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 8 (a high functioning form of autism). The services he needed were not radical or cumbersome but definitely critical!
I had to be relentless in my advocacy to get him the services he needed and it paid off. He is 23 and although he still lives at home with me, and he didn’t get his driver’s license until he was 18, he has been employed at the same job for more than 3 years, is working on his second Associates Degree and is pursuing a career in cartooning – he’s in the process of applying for an internship at Pixar!
I KNOW he is functioning this well, and will be fully independent in time, because of the services I pushed so hard for when he was younger.
Keep up the good work about spreading the word!
Shannon, your twins are indeed lucky to have parents who advocate energetically, and they are even luckier to have received early treatment. I have a good friend with two autistic daughters; unfortunately, those girls were born in a time when treatment was not what it is today, and the autism is severe now that those girls are grown up.
There are advantages that some autistics have over the general population. With that massively focussed concentration ability, they become some of the best engineers and computer scientists around. I’ve worked with several autistic engineers; they see things that the rest of us just don’t.
Shannon, I remember when you shared your daughters autism with me. And how devasted you were. It is so nice to see that there is HOPE after all and that you are such a proactive part of helping them to live as you say “normal” lives.
Autistic children (and adults) are very special indeed. In fact, some of the most gifted people in the world are diagnosed with some form of autism. One of my very best friends has an autistic boy who just discovered his gift for swimming. As a matter of fact, he made the team in 3 weeks that it normally takes 2-3 years to get accepted to.
I applaud all you do every day to make their world easier and accepting.
You are a wonderful mother and role model.
Thanks for feeling comfortable enough to share your story. For in that story you will be able to help many others cope with their own situations.
Best of luck with your program “inside scoop.” Anyone who purchases it will get more than they paid for AND serve others at the same time.
Heidi Richards Mooney, Author, Entrepreneur, Business Coach
As a special education teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, please continue to advocate. I wish more parents would.
Over the past 30 years, I have seen my high- functioning students grow up to be amazing human beings. Several are illustrators, some work at the airport, some are managers of departments in a larger corporation. There is something to be said for good nutrition and great specialists.