April is Autism Awareness Month.

Back when Thomas was born, I don't think I could have told you what autism was.  Probably the movie "Rain Man" would have come to my mind upon hearing the word.  When Thomas was 2.5, he was diagnosed with autism.  That diagnosis has since then been refined to Asperger's, a type of high functioning autism.  His first two sisters, Naomi Ruth and Rebekah, both have autistic tendencies and traits, but not enough to receive a diagnosis.  Hannah seems neurologically typical (normal).  Miriam seems to have autism, ODD, and more.  Susanna seems fine in that area.

I've gone from living a life not knowning what autism was, to autism being a MAJOR part of my life.  Before I didn't know what autism was.  Now if you say the word, what comes to mind is the faces of my children.  Please watch the following video.  See the faces of these precious autistic children.  Don't let autism just be a word to you.   

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/213154

For every time this video is viewed, the musical group Five for Fighting gives .49 cents to Autism Speaks.  It is moving  and informative. 

Love, Dawn