Let’s Celebrate:  April is Autism Awareness Month!

In 2007, the United Nations deemed April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day. This kicks off a month of celebrating children with Autism! In 2014, the Center for Disease Control reported 1 in 68 children across the United States have a diagnosis of Autism.

With a prevalence that high, you likely know a child or family affected by Autism. Each of us are a piece of the puzzle in someone else’s story. How can we play a part in celebrating our friends and loved ones whose stories are impacted by Autism?

3 Ways YOU Can Make A Difference For Autism Awareness Month:

1. Wear Blue

On April 2nd, you can celebrate World Autism Awareness Day by wearing the color blue. At MTS Kids, we will be wearing blue every Monday in April to celebrate our friends with Autism. Challenge yourself to join us all month!

2. Educate Yourself and Others

The Mayo Clinic defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a “serious neurodevelopment disorder that impairs a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities.”

ASD can be diagnosed as early as 18 months, but is typically diagnosed between 2 to 3 years of age. There are several great websites and books to learn more about Autism. You may even want to grab coffee with a fellow mom who has a child with Autism to learn more about their story — the struggles, challenges, joys and victories that come with each new day.

Reading children’s books is also a great way to make learning fun as you educate your children (and yourself) about Autism! Here are some fun books you can check out from your local library – My Brother Charlie, Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears?, Taco’s Anyone? and Everybody’s Different. These books are great tools to help you and your child explore the puzzle pieces of others’ stories impacted by Autism.

3. Share YOUR Story!

Here at MTS kids, we want to hear from you, learn from you, celebrate with you and grow with you! As you share your beautiful story, you could change a life by offering hope, a light, and a simple “me too” to someone in need of encouragement.

Let’s rally together to make a difference by sharing our stories on social media! Tag us in your post (@mtskids) or comment on one of our posts, and use the hashtags #ShareYourStory or #illuminateSTARS. Join us on Facebook and/or Instagram all month long for opportunities to build awareness and advocate for your child.

You can also share your story in one of our clinics — whether you write it down, take a photo to give to our Director(s) of First Impressions, or simply tell your MTS Kids therapist how you find encouragement each day, we want to hear from you!

Because we believe in doing whatever it takes to Serve Others Well, when you share your story with us, you’ll also be automatically entered to win an exclusive spot to our upcoming “Parents’ Night Out” event. We will be drawing a limited number of names, and the winners will get to bring their children to one of our clinic locations for the evening. Our therapists will create a safe, fun environment for your kids to play while YOU (the parent) get to have a night out — all to yourself! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to illuminate STARS!

According to Mother Teresa, we can make the greatest difference when we do small things with great love. So come on, friends… share your story as we aim to give the next generation A Voice That Lasts Forever!