The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

♥Happy Valentine's Day to all!♥

Today is Valentines Day but it's also The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  Friends from my facebook and older followers know this, but for the newer followers,  I recently got back to work.  I'm a Respite Care Provider for children with disabilities.  What that means is I go into peoples homes and give mainly the Moms a much needed break.  Sort of like daycare, but one on one.  Sometimes there's more than one in the household with a disability.  I home school them, help with home work, do limited therapy,  play games, work on what ever the parent needs.  Some of the kiddos are Autistic.  Because of my deep respect and love for these children and families, I will not discuss them, only what I know generally speaking.

   Autism is defined as "a severe developmental disorder" it shows at about birth or shortly thereafter. Most autistic children look "normal". It's in their actions you see an autistic person. They may spend their time zoning out on something like intricate toys, video games, books, TV,  or puzzles.  It affects their social skills, their imagination, the order of things (has to be just so).  Their senses are deeply affected.  Just the sound of vacuuming can send an autistic child screaming.  Uncontrollable, inconsolable....  A fluffy stuffed animal can be too much to bear.  An infant with autism may resist even their mothers cuddle.  Some can live absolute normal lives while others will need assistance the rest of their lives.  Asperger's syndrome is one of the forms of autism.

"Autism Sunday, which was established in 2002 by Ivan and Charika Corea, who have a son with the condition, is now a platform used by parents, carers and people living with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome to encourage awareness and action on the issues.  The event, which now takes place globally, is also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome."

There are over 60 million people living with autism around the world.

To find out what you can do to help visit Autism Parents