[baddmammajamma]

I will be kicking off the annual "World Autism Awareness Day" thread either later this evening (Sunday) or early Monday the 2nd. As in years past, I hope a lot of you will share your thoughts with the rest of EB. I know it gets frustrating when the messages don't get through, but we ARE having positive impact on EB!

Hi all:

With Autism Awareness Month in April & World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, I am just interested in getting your individual and collective input.

I think some of you know that for the past few years, I've kicked off a general awareness thread on the WDYT board, with lots of input from a lot of the mums from our group. Every year, several EBers who read our posts on that thread recognize their own children in the anecdotes and early flags & go on to have them assessed. Some people just read the thread and say "Wow, I never knew that. Thanks for opening up my eyes." And then, inevitably, a few chime in with things that are inaccurate or inappropriate (but someone always sets them straight!)

And the rest of EB just blows us off...in favor of the latest thread on baking cupcakes for school.

Here are the ones from 2011 and 2010

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/ind...=883096&hl=

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/ind...=781381&hl=

I am interested in all aspects of Autism Awareness -- general awareness, parent awareness, advocacy for services, etc. -- but my personal passion is around helping other parents recognize the potential red flags of ASD (and how to proceed if they do). I think this is where I personally can add the most value to helping other families.

However, I am really keen to get more involved in the advocacy/policy arena -- I'm just not sure how I would be helpful (suggestions welcomed!)

So here are my questions:

* Are you going to do anything in particular for World Autism Awareness Day (e.g. write a blog post, share articles on FB, write your MP, do something at your child's school)? I totally appreciate that not everyone who would like to do something has the bandwidth.

* Do you think the day serves any meaningful purpose, or are you a bit cynical when it comes to stuff like this?

* Do you have a particular passion area around ASD awareness? If so, what is it?

I am not writing a newspaper article, I don't work for ACA...I am just genuinely interested to hear what people think.

This post has been edited by baddmammajamma: 01/04/2012, 02:27 PM

[madmother]

Ah - laptop appears to have ceased crapping itself.

I am adding a bright blue streak into my hair next week, and I have also made a longer term promise.

My youngest will be in high school next year and I am (unless something drastic happens) going to offer my advocation services to parents of children on the spectrum at our school, in the school.

Boy 1 was one of the first to go right through school there, and now a lot of other kids are attending (around 8-10). Talking to friends with kids there it seems a lot are floundering, and are not sure of how to approach or ask for help. Having been there, and also being willing to learn a lot more, and being the loud and proud mama I am, I would be more than happy to help.

Just an idea at this stage, but something I am very keen to pursue.