Autism Awareness Month: What can I do?

AutismSpot is a world leader in the dissemination of information regarding every possible therapy, early intervention, and a catalyst for helping the Autism Community understand the options available to teenagers and adults on the spectrum. Throughout the month, I will use this blog to share with you tips and suggestions covering everything from early signs through specific actions you can take to assist families living with Autism.

So what can you do?
1) DINNER: Caring for someone on the spectrum can cost a tremendous amount of money. Medical, therapy, schooling, and the cost of tutors can be overwhelming on a struggling family. If you know a family living with Autism, drop a gift certificate off in their mailbox so they can have a dinner out. It doesn't have to be fancy or extravagant. A drive thru can be just the relief they need. Do they care for someone on a special diet? Make that gift certificate for Whole Foods, Market Street, Kroger or wherever they buy the food their child requires. Leave them a note saying that you were thinking of them and to enjoy a night without preparing a meal. Whether you sign your name or do this anonymously, the family will truly appreciate knowing they have friends supporting them.

2) PARENT TIME: Give the gift of time. So many of us have very, very few people in our lives who can babysit our child on the spectrum. Providing the opportunity for the parents to step out for even one hour is a treat that many never get to experience. If it is a single parent, give them time to spend with a friend, by themselves, or with another one of their children. It is difficult to put into words what a gift like this can mean to a parent.

3) 1-ON-1 TIME: For someone like my son (Sam), the greatest gift you can give to him is spending time with him. If the child is able to go on an outing with you, offering this simple gesture of going to a store, getting a treat, a ride in the car to look at buildings or countryside......when YOU are willing to spend time with the child who is on the spectrum, it means so very much to the parents. Making friends is often very difficult for someone on the spectrum. As a child matures into a pre-teen, teen, and adult, they may begin to realize that friendships are extremely difficult. This does not mean that someone with Autism does not want friends. Simply, the social skills and ability to create friendships, maintain and nurture friendships can be extremely difficult. Make a friend with someone on the spectrum and you will quickly learn, this is a friendship that will fulfill you both and bless you in countless ways.

4) WATCH AND LEARN: Spend time on AutismSpot and watch videos from the Family, Daily Living, and My Story channels. Learn from those on the spectrum as they share their stories. Listen to parents who share their experiences, trials, and triumphs so that you better understand what your sibling or friend is going through as they raise a child on the spectrum. Share your thoughts and feelings with the person you are close to. Simply knowing that a friend or family member felt it was important enough to take a few minutes to understand what I am going through can make a tremendous impact.

5) DON'T BE AFRAID: Ask your friend or family member what you can do to help them. Maybe you have an afternoon free on the weekend, maybe you have just one hour open and would like to visit with them over coffee and listen to what is going on in their life, or maybe you want to offer assistance once a month so the parent can get a respite night out to visit a bookstore, go for a walk, or simply relax. Whether it's an hour, an afternoon, or a simple phone call, caring for a child on the spectrum it can be terribly isolating and lonely. Don't be the friend who always has good intentions with no actions. Don't be afraid to call and say that you are thinking of them. If you offer to help in any way, that is just going the extra mile. Remember, we all need someone to connect with. Everyone needs a friend.

Come back later for more quick tips on what you can do to celebrate Autism Awareness Month!