The Language of Autism

What some of you may know is that autism awarness week was 4/2/11- 4/09/11. What only a few of you may know is that my son was diaognosed with a highly functioning form of autism. What the specialist and professionals have identifed as a speech and social development delay, I've discovered is a unique way of processing data and viewing the world. The angles he uses to view objects, the sounds he reacts to movement and the the tone of your voice is with precision. Mostly, he lights up the faces of anyone he encounters. It is my sacred honnor to be the champion of his education just as my Mother was. I have been known to check in with the school secretary's a couple times a day. I ask a ton of questions at the teachear conferences. I attend the specialist meetings and review the therapy notes. I was excited to participate in special programs like African American Readers week. This is not only my responsibilty it is what warms my soul. When I actively participate in the education of my child & the children in my community I am extending an invitation for respect and growth. The Easter Seals organization disablity data has determined that 5,657 children in the state of NJ have been classified as Autistic in 2008-2009 . Furthermore, The A1234/S360 legilation was introduced January 8, 2008 to create an Autism Education Council with the Department of Education to award grants to public schools and institutions in order to broaden the services and improve instruction methods for students with autism. The bill was referred to the Assembly and Senate Education Committees; no further action was taken .-

Guess what? It's up to me, you, your cousin, auntie, and granny to pick up the ball Washington dropped. Take the time to examine how your children are communicating. Are they pointing out their requests with out words? Are they throwing up their fingers in front of their faces like a gangsta rapper convention? Do they play around but not directly with other kids? These patterns seem like harmless quirks but, they could be indicators that your child is among the distinct, the discerning, the delightful. Autism speaks volumes especially when a chorus of supporters echo their chants.