Project Outreach does it again!

On April 20, Project Outreach (P.O.) held an Autism Awareness Assembly at Spanish Fort High School.  The director of the program, Scott Parks, asked if I would speak as part of the program and give a parent's point of view about autism.  Seeing as how I have a child with autism and I have a point of view, I agreed.   People need to know, right?   But, what will I say?  How do I fit our story neatly into a five minute spot  ('cause our story has been anything but neat.)   Will it matter?  Who will listen?  What if I cry?  How many people  will be there?  What if i mess up?.....Yea, those were the kinds of questions swirling in my mind.     Public speaking makes me so nervous.  It definitely puts me out of my comfort zone.  Autism has a way of doing that.  I think I have permanently relocated out of my comfort zone!  But then it occurred to me: those questions were really all about me.  I have always said I would help in any way I can because autism shook up my world.  But, I have hope.  Others need hope too.   So I had to rethink this whole presentation thing.  It really wasn't about me at all.   It was about something bigger.  Like awareness.  Like understanding.  Like compassion.   It wasn't about me.

So that morning, the boys and I, along with my mother and mother in law,  headed across the bay to help spread autism awareness.  I had packed bags for the boys that held their favorite books and colors to keep them occupied during the assembly (because you just never know what to expect). When we got to the school,  we couldn't help but notice the big red puzzle piece spray painted on the front lawn by the words "Autism Awareness Week."  These kids were serious about autism!  Students from P.O. led us down the hall to the gym where the assembly would take place.  As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the big, bright, impossible-to-miss signs on the walls.  They were all about autism. They were full of facts and stats.  There were puzzle pieces hanging from the ceiling. There were signs made by each grade showing their support for the autism community.  I was blown away!

 
The presentations by the students were equally impressive. Several spoke about what autism means to them and how it has changed their lives. Then there were the videos.  y usually get me. I fought back tears as the very first video played at the beginning of the assembly.  It was all about autism stats and the challenges kids with autism face.  It reminded me that my son is 1 in 88 and that we have many of these challenges ahead.  It was powerful and I admit, I couldn't watch it all because I knew I would cry.  Autism gets to me like that.

My part of the presentation came about half way through the program.  I was nervous. Even the night before I just kept staring at a blank piece of paper wondering what I would say.  I finally scribbled a few notes before going to bed.  And I have to tell you, I love how God uses our kids to remind us of His truths.  Nathan knew I was nervous and wanted to encourage me.  He reminded me of Joshua 1:9 which states: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage for the Lord your God is with you."  He said "Mom, don't worry. Jesus is with you wherever you go." My precious son used the same verse that I have been using to encourage him when he is afraid.  I was both humbled and grateful for that gift.  And I was encouraged.  So, it was my turn.  I stepped up to the podium and placed my messy, scribbled notes in front of me.  I picked up the microphone, looked up at the audience and began to speak.  I wish I could tell you exactly what I said because I honestly don't remember. The words just came out.  I never looked at those notes.  I guess I just had them there to make me feel better.  I found a couple of faces in the crowd that appeared receptive and kind.  I just spoke from my heart and told our story.  I think it went well.  And those bags I packed for the boys, well, they helped.  The boys did great for the entire hour of the assembly.  I was a proud mommy :-)

Afterwards, there was a reception and time to talk with some of the members of P.O.  They had great questions for me about Luke and autism.  They flocked to the boys and began interacting with them.  It was a lot for Luke at first but he warmed up and was giving out hugs before it was over.  I think Nathan especially loved the attention. He was surrounded by pretty high school girls who wanted to know all about him.  I loved that he smiled and laughed with them.  Although he can be rather shy and quiet at times, he loved their attention and when all was said and done,  he said "that was fun."

It really was fun.  I was around some amazing young people who really care.  Some of them even want to work with special needs kids when they get out of school.  It was so encouraging to be around them.  I wish this program could be in every school.  The need is there.  When I was in school many years go,  I had never heard of autism. Now, it is everywhere. It's not going anywhere either. So much of it is still a mystery.  But our autism kids are here and they are growing up.  Programs like P.O. and people like Scott Parks give me hope for my son and his future. Luke is growing up (and too fast I might add!) and I pray that he will have friends like these, who truly care about him for who he is and who won't try to limit him because what he has.

Lovin' the 80's, Lovin' the Little Tree

Do you remember the 80's?  As I write this, I realize that some readers weren't even born yet which makes me feel pretty old. I loved a lot about the 80's. The music, the tacky fashion ( minus the shoulder pads - yuck!), the big hair(love that Aqua Net), the family sitcoms.  I listened to big hair bands like Bon Jovi, Def Lepard, and Poison.  I loved Hart and Chicago too. Oh, and Bryan Adams, Tears for Fears, and Duran Duran too.  The list could go on. Thank goodness for Pandora.

Did you watch The Cosby Show or Growing Pains? Or maybe Full House or ALF?  Maybe you liked movies like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles.  Personally, I had a crush on Kirk Cameron from Growing Pains.  Yes, I did.  I admit it.  If you were a teen girl in the 80's, you can admit it too.  Come on. You know you did!

Earlier this month, I had a chance to visit the 80's once again.  "A Night at the Ezell House" was a 80's themed fundraiser for the Learning Tree and it's programs which includes Woody's Song and The Little Tree preschool (Luke's school).  It was held in a beautiful historic home in downtown Mobile.  There was some delicious food provided by Wintzell's Oyster House, Spot of Tea, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Pollman's Bakery and Twist Cupcakes to name a few.  There were over 50 silent auction items in all price ranges, including a stay at the Grand Hotel, tickets to see the Mobile Baybears and gift cards to fine restaurants,  which made everyone happy. On the courtyard,  The Wes Loper Band played and did a great job.  They aren't known for being an 80's cover band but they belted out the hits.  They had everyone singing and having a good time.  I am a fan!  The night was a success!  We raised $8500 !

The cool thing about it though wasn't the food or the music, even though they were great.  It was the fact that parents came together and worked very hard toward the common goal of helping our kids. ( And we had a great time too!) We see the impact that these programs are having on the lives of our children and our families and we know that we simply must help because that is just what we are supposed to do.  Really, we have to help. Not because we are forced to but because we are compelled to help. We want to help. That's what you do for your kids, right?   I have joked that "fundraiser" is my new middle name because it seems to be all I do these days.  But that's ok. It's for my son and his friends. They need it. Their school needs it. Why wouldn't I work hard to help them?   It's for their present and their future.

I have put away the neon accessories, at least for now.  But I look forward to the event next year. If you couldn't be there, then you missed out!  Mark your calendars for April 5, 2013 at the Ezell House . Come join us! We will do it again and it will be a blast! And thank you for your prayers and financial gifts to help Luke's school.  I have been completely overwhelmed by your generosity, your support and your love. Thanks  again!

Hello April!

Well, it's finally here! A month of blue lights, blue hair extensions, fundraising events, walks and runs all in an effort to increase awareness of autism. April is designated as Autism Awareness month but now, I am aware of it every day.

Two years ago, I wasn't aware of autism. I mean, I knew the term and knew that I didn't want my child to ever have "something like that" but I didn't really know about it. I didn't know anyone who had a child with autism. It's really amazing how much you can learn in a year and a half and still be perplexed that this disorder continues to be mysterious on so many levels. But now that my child has "something like that," I am learning as much as I can about how to best help him. I have to be seen and heard for his sake so, for those that know me well, that means getting out of my comfort zone. Not easy for me, but necessary for him.

My husband and I desire, besides providing Luke the best possible care and therapy that we possibly can, to educate our little corner of the world about autism. I hope we have done that, even if just a little. We don't know or understand it all, but we do know firsthand what it is like to deal with it on a daily basis. A saying somewhat common in the autism community is "once you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." That statement is so true. If every parent of a child with autism blogged about their child and their challenges, every blog would be so unique, just because the challenges are so varied in each case. Again, I didn't know that a couple of years ago. My exposure to autism was "Rain man." Unfortunately, that is also the only exposure many people have had to autism. Not all of our kids are geniuses. But some are. Not all of our kids have behavioral issues. But some do. Not all of our kids are nonverbal. But some are. Not all of our kids are mentally retarded. But some are. Not all of our kids are savants. Yes, some are. The stereotypes could go on. The spectrum is so much bigger than I ever imagined. I want people to know that.

Now, more than ever, awareness is key. I guess at one time the saying "ignorance is bliss" applied to me. It didn't seem that important - until it hit home. Knowledge really is power. The power to speak up and bring about change for our kids, our future. With that knowledge comes responsibility. The responsibility to be seen and heard when it matters. The responsibility to seek out the best treatments for our kids. The responsibility to educate others because ignorance really isn't bliss. This past week, the CDC released the latest findings regarding the incidence of autism and the numbers are jaw-dropping. One in 88 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and the number for boys is even more alarming at 1 in 54. Based on this, the chances of you knowing or having a child in your life affected by autism are high. And please don't forget, these numbers represent real people. They are not just statistics. They are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandchildren, loved ones. So, get educated. Know the signs. Get the facts. Be aware. It doesn't just go away because we don't know all about it. Turning our heads away doesn't work.

So, would you like to know what to do? There are many simple things you can do to help increase awareness.
* Go to my blog and check out the "signs of autism" tab. Or, just google autism. (Remember, knowledge is power!).
* If you are in Alabama or in another state looking at autism insurance reform, call you legislators and urge them to support this because it is much needed to get our kids the therapies and treatments they need covered by insurance companies.
* In Alabama, go to your DMV and buy a commit to purchase autism tag before November. It costs $50 with $ 41.20 going to the Autism Society of Alabama. (They have to have 1000 commitments before the tag goes into production.)
* April 2 is World Autism Awareness day and many famous buildings will be "lighting it up blue" to recognize it. So, you too can light it up blue! Buy a blue light bulb. There are blue bulbs at Home Depot for $1.99 specially marked with Autism Speaks. (Ours is already lit up outside our front door to welcome April.)
* For the ladies and some brave fellas, get a blue hair extension. When people notice your extension, it gives you a chance to increase awareness wherever you go. Check with salons in your area. In Mobile, Bombshell Salon is offering them for $12 and the proceeds benefit The Learning Tree and it's programs, which includes The Little Tree (Luke's school). I will be sporting one soon!

April is a very busy month for our family. Autism is always with me and my family though, no matter the month. Luke is an incredible little boy and he is surrounded by love. God is teaching us so much through Luke. We have been blessed with so much love, encouragement and support and we are thankful for it. If in any way, you have learned anything about autism from my blog or other sources, then please pass that knowledge along. It can only help our kids who deserve to be given the opportunity to thrive and it offers them the best chance at a purposeful, productive future. People need to know!

Thank you!