It’s Autism Awareness Month. This is a time the world is bringing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to light, so they can be better understood and appreciated.
The autism community is unfortunately divided. Lines are drawn in the sand, Accept/Cure, and on. This post will not delve into the divide. I am not a parent of a child on the spectrum and have not walked in their shoes.
However, I am someone who cares deeply for families touched by autism as my family has for generations. What I think important is that we recognize each individual labeled as having an autism spectrum disorder as the unique and special person they are. For they like everyone I want nothing more than the BEST possible life they can have. And, for those that love them to appreciate they have infinite potential. We should do all that we can to understand the cause(s), develop reliable early indentification, and provide sufficient opportunities for growth, learning, and personal development.
My company is the developer of The Listening Program® method of music-based auditory stimulation. It’s used by parents, educators, and healthcare professionals with hundreds if not thousands of people diagnosed with ASD’s on a daily basis. I am vested in this discussion. We work with people across the globe challenged with how to provide the best opportunities for families touched by these disorders. Ultimately we all want the same thing, a happy, fulfilling life for those we serve. That’s where my awareness centers, today and everyday.
Here are a few links I hope you find helpful:
AutismSpot www.autismspot.com
Autism Hangout www.autismhangout.com
Autism Research Institute www.autism.com
Autism Treatment Center of America www.autismtreatmentcenter.org
Autism-Asperger’s Digest Magazine www.aspergersdigest.com
DIR®/Floortime www.icdl.com
Dr.Charles Shidlofsky www.dr-s.net
Enzymedica www.enzymedica.com
National Association for Child Development www.nacd.org
SI Focus Magazine www.sifocus.com
The Listening Program® www.thelisteningprogram.com
Autism: What the Experts Know http://tinyurl.com/dd583n (Disclaimer, while a contributor to this resource I in no way see myself as an expert on autism).
