45 Comments

  1. louiseandsamuel@manx.net
    March 30, 2015 @ 12:16 pm

    Hi Carrie – I have an answer for you: –

    On 18 December 2007 The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). This United Nations resolution declares WAAD as one of only four health-specific United Nations Days. Its purpose is to shine a bright light on ASD which effects tens of millions of people around the world. They did it to express deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of ASD in children of all regions of the world, which they view as a growing global health crisis.

    Lou

    Reply

  2. Jacquie
    March 30, 2015 @ 12:21 pm

    For Linda, an autism mom who celebrates the good and tolerates the bad.

    Reply

  3. A.W.
    March 30, 2015 @ 2:09 pm

    For Leigh, my sister-in-law, who is such an awesome mom to Sam (who is so very, very smart that it’s scary) and Drew, even though I know she feels overwhelmed at times.
    For Jim, her husband, who does so much and works so hard for his family.
    For Drew, who will be Sam’s best buddy, I’m sure.
    For Sam, who we all love so very, very much.

    Reply

  4. Robin
    March 30, 2015 @ 2:25 pm

    Sarah Jean. ??

    Reply

  5. Sara
    March 30, 2015 @ 2:43 pm

    I am so grateful that such loving parents exist for all children but particularly those that can be so difficult to care for. Thanks to all the autism moms and dads. I am in awe.

    Reply

  6. ampleprolix
    March 30, 2015 @ 3:22 pm

    Reblogged this on Mastering Adulthood and commented:
    Yes. Just YES. So beautifully written and said.

    Reply

  7. Tasha
    March 30, 2015 @ 3:32 pm

    All the parents of the children on my caseload. For putting one foot in front of the other every day.

    Reply

  8. Michael J. Wagner
    March 30, 2015 @ 3:37 pm

    For Katie, and Lenora

    Reply

  9. Mike Idenden
    March 30, 2015 @ 5:09 pm

    For my mother-in-law Patty Calabrese, who has legal custody of my 3 nephews, all of whom have Autism, & my 12-year-old niece. She gives these boys everything she can to make sure they have what they need.

    Reply

  10. Beth
    March 30, 2015 @ 5:51 pm

    For my darling daughter, Heather, an autism mom to identical twin 2-year-old boys who have no language. She has recently begun this journey and is handling it with grace and love. I am in awe of her and very proud.

    Reply

  11. Carole Excell
    March 30, 2015 @ 8:16 pm

    To Amy Martinez the most amazing Sunday school teacher for my daughter with autism. Thank you for being a beautiful caring person!!

    Reply

  12. Kim Landis Black
    March 30, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

    I can say that you have made me much more aware of what goes on inside the day to day life of an autism family. I have no idea how I came to find your blog, but I can tell you I look forward to it every Monday.

    I have been associated with a program for a long time that pairs special needs kids with partners to help raise a lamb for our county fair. My kids are now 19 & 21 and have helped in that program since they were young. The program has a lot of diversity with the “special needs” component. Autism is the biggest number of kids that participate. We have had various families in our lives over the years that we have been close with. Many will be life long friends. We see those families at our farm and at our fair. We learn their behaviors and triggers and know how to avoid problems or handle the issues that come up because of a trigger. These things attached to these people also become our normal. We don’t see a diagnosis, we see our friends.

    Our program had to go through an overhaul process last year because of some misconduct in another county. After 25 years the program that started in our county and was the first of its kind in the nation was put under a microscope to make sure things were done correctly. The only two things we had to change was bidding out the cost of the lambs and not letting siblings work together. The program wanted to make sure that children were optimizing their experience by meeting other families and working with different partners. 25 years of success a good things happening!

    My kids are both at the same university now. My daughter is a junior working toward an agriculture education degree. She thinks she will continue school to get her masters degree in special education. The lamb program and another program she worked kast summer with underprivileged kids shifted her focus to working with younger kids. My son is a freshman in the pre-vet program. He hated not being able to continue the lamb project this year because of school and other summer obligations. They both have used the program in presentations and other projects.

    There are a lot of times since my family was young that we have had experience with autism and other “special needs” kids and their families. We don’t see the differences and the struggles. We see the people that are there, not the diagnosis.

    I can’t list just autism families, but these parents are great at what they have done or do!

    Stacy and Rosella
    Sheri
    Shirley
    Sherry
    Tammy

    Reply

  13. Andrea
    March 30, 2015 @ 10:08 pm

    For Donna Brown – mom to Jacob – who in his 30s has been diagnosed with Asperger’s for 14 years – for all the years of confusion, frustration, and exhaustion.

    Reply

  14. Andrea
    March 30, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

    For Melanie Medina Metzger – cause seeing her with her young man is an inspiration!

    Reply

  15. Lisa Warndorf
    March 30, 2015 @ 11:20 pm

    To my daughter-in-law, Melissa, and my son Jason. You are doing a great job with Harrison. He’s an amazing child who has come so far, and it’s all because he has two very loving and dedicated parents. Your family is behind you all the way. Grandma and Grandpa love that little boy more than life itself.

    Reply

  16. oshrivastava
    March 31, 2015 @ 5:09 am

    Reblogged this on oshriradhekrishnabole.

    Reply

  17. Keith
    March 31, 2015 @ 5:45 am

    My wife Melanie who makes the difficult, easy and the unmanageable, manageable. She is the Angel in Gabriel’s life as much as he is the Angel in ours.

    Reply

  18. Josie
    March 31, 2015 @ 7:18 am

    For Nicole, who is sonmuch more than just a teacher.

    Reply

  19. Cara Turner
    March 31, 2015 @ 7:32 am

    For my friend, Jenny, for being an amazing mom to Ryan.

    Reply

  20. Deb
    March 31, 2015 @ 8:02 am

    My daughter doesn’t have autism but the words you wrote reminded me of her growing up. I wrote the other day that she held us hostage and she did in a way. It wasn’t her fault but it was the result. It’s beyond hard and I don’t know how we survived but we did. She’s twenty-two now. She is my hard gift and I love her something fierce.

    Reply

  21. Scott Wilcox
    March 31, 2015 @ 8:17 am

    For my friend, Gayle, widowed grandmother to Patrick, who lost his single mother to cancer after a 7 year battle. Dear Patrick will graduate from high school in May, and was home schooled by his mom, and grandmother.
    And to all the families and caregivers and teachers and therapists and medical personnel, and friends, God bless you!

    Reply

  22. MommaDe
    March 31, 2015 @ 11:52 am

    For my oldest son, Gregory. His two younger siblings are on the Spectrum and eventually he will assume the mantle of Champion as he realizes the world can be a mean, cruel place. I understand this mantle better than some because I had it when I was a kid since my younger brother was a special needs child.

    It’s a heavy burden to bear and I merit the heartbreak he will feel. I hope, with all of my being that bullying will become an obsolete action that old people tell stories about, like walking 10 miles to school…up hill, both ways…in the snow.

    My heart breaks now just thinking about it. But I try not to let my mind dwell on what isn’t, yet.

    As an Autism Parent, we can’t. We have one foot on the future with what we can control and the rest of us in The Now because it’s easier that way. Easier on us. And they need us to be.

    Reply

  23. Beth
    March 31, 2015 @ 12:08 pm

    For the families I can’t name of the students at my school…you are heroes. God bless you all.

    Reply

  24. Tui
    March 31, 2015 @ 12:20 pm

    For my friend Kathie R., who despite a million roadblocks along the way has managed to raise her beautiful autstic daughter to young adulthood. So much admiration, so much love.

    Reply

  25. tiffin2e
    March 31, 2015 @ 12:21 pm

    For my friend Kathie R., who despite a million roadblocks along the way has managed to raise her beautiful daughter who has ASD to young adulthood, helping her to realize her potential. So much admiration, so much love.

    Reply

  26. Carol
    March 31, 2015 @ 2:09 pm

    For my daughter and son-in-law, Michelle & Josh, for being such awesome parents to my wonderful, beautiful, awe-inspiring 5-year old grandson. Without their tireless efforts, Cam would not be anywhere near the extremely high functioning little boy he is today.

    Reply

  27. Linda Stovall
    March 31, 2015 @ 4:36 pm

    For Jill, who has made those of us who are her Facebook followers, so much more aware of the meaning(s) of autism. And less judgmental about unruly children. It might be autism. And much more sympathetic and understanding, in our limited way.

    Reply

  28. Budnot
    March 31, 2015 @ 4:58 pm

    For Becky who is a great Mom to Casey and so much fun to have lunch and commiserate with! We’re ok with doing the best we can!

    Reply

  29. Peggy Woy
    March 31, 2015 @ 5:33 pm

    My my Ninja Noah who hasn’t yet found his voice, whom we love dearly!

    Reply

  30. Tammy DiMichele
    March 31, 2015 @ 6:03 pm

    Tammy Chapman one of my best friends.. she is an awesome mom and a great friend, she is one strong momma ..going through alot right now with her little fella and my heart and prayers go out to her… Kudos to you !!

    Reply

  31. filemissile
    March 31, 2015 @ 11:18 pm

    Thank you
    Fantastic Blog
    Good luck
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    Reply

  32. sunshineinpuddles
    April 1, 2015 @ 2:39 am

    Reblogged this on sunshine in puddles and commented:
    Most often I write about my life, our life with cerebral palsy and the victories and challenges that accompany it. Our foray into the world of additional needs has made us many amazing friends. A lot of these friends own smiles and tears are because Autism is part of their lives. Tomorrow is Autism Awareness Day. Here is a blog that offers heartfelt insight…you may need a tissue, I did. To all our friends on the Autism Spectrum and those who love and care for them.

    Reply

  33. sunshineinpuddles
    April 1, 2015 @ 2:43 am

    For so many courageous families we have met along the way. Reblogged in https://sunshineinpuddles.wordpress.com/

    Reply

  34. Erin
    April 1, 2015 @ 2:54 am

    For me it’s to remind our dream team how much we appreciate what they do everyday. A special month for them. Yes, as parents we work hard EVERYDAY but I’d pull out my hair if it wasn’t for all the teachers and therapists that are a part of our village! This week they get bling…….next week rice krispy treats! Our team deserves more than just a holiday celebration……I like that it’s the entire month of April! 🙂

    Reply

  35. Jeannie
    April 1, 2015 @ 10:09 am

    For my daughter, A., who is 16: she has Asperger’s herself but is so kind and patient with her brother J., age 12, who has ASD, developmental disabilities, and seizures. Thanks for being such a great sister and for laughing when he helped himself to ALL THE FRIES.

    Reply

  36. Linda Rosevelt
    April 1, 2015 @ 10:28 am

    For my daughter Paula. mother of a boy with Aspergers who will graduate from HS this year with a Vet Tech certificate and a college plan to become a vet. It’s because of his Mom that he’s done so well.

    Also for his younger brother who has had to be the big brother for most of his life.

    Both of them have done an incredible job.

    Reply

  37. Gerri K
    April 2, 2015 @ 8:21 am

    For all those families who devote their lives to autistic children. Denise, Jennifer, MaryEllen & Catherine… This was such a powerful article.

    Reply

  38. Sara
    April 2, 2015 @ 2:58 pm

    For all my students on the spectrum and the professionals and family members who’ve devoted countless hours to supporting them, for Kelly Leslie Ardith Kathy Barb and Patricia who have showed me amazing grace, perseverance, and hope through challenging parenting situations, for all the siblings I’ve seen stretch and grow as they journey beside their brother or sister, and for all we’re learning and changing to make a brighter future.

    Reply

  39. Dina
    April 3, 2015 @ 8:13 am

    For me sweet son Drew, age 9, who keeps plugging along despite the challenges of ASD.

    Reply

    • Tony
      April 3, 2015 @ 2:12 pm

      This is for my wife Annette who never gives up HOPE. She endlessly searches for anything to help our son Anthony. Ot speech therapy floortime homeopathic Linda mood-bell Dr Goldberg Dr Greenspan and ahost of diets and treatments. Only families of ” Our kids” can even begin to understand. I can’t Thank my wife enough for all she does. All while working full time as a teacher. Some of us are stronger than others! This is one amazing woman. Her goal is for a full recovery. Yes it will happen! She will see to it I’m sure.

      Reply

  40. Click Here: Vol. 25 - Sandra Peoples
    April 4, 2015 @ 10:29 am

    […] What Does Autism Awareness Even Mean? from Carrie Cariello. I wasn’t familiar with Carrie’s blog but I love this post. Her son with autism is different from James, but we have lots of the same struggles and triumphs! […]

    Reply

  41. For the Days When No One Is Wearing Blue, but You're All Too Aware of Autism - Sandra Peoples
    April 6, 2015 @ 6:37 am

    […] This is our fourth year completely aware of autism, not just on April 2nd, but every day of the year. Through the years, Autism Awareness Month has brought out different emotions. Appreciation for sure, for so many lighting it up blue and for all the posts from fellow autism parents who make me laugh or cry (or both). […]

    Reply

  42. Food for Thought - Family Synapse
    April 6, 2015 @ 5:26 pm

    […] What Does Autism Awareness Even Mean? […]

    Reply

  43. Elise (Kids Included Together)
    April 6, 2015 @ 11:17 pm

    Wow!!! Beautiful! Thank you so much for reminding us how much love and patience goes into caring for those with unique challenges. You are a hero! As are the many autism moms I know and have had the pleasure to work with.

    Reply

  44. Elizabeth
    April 7, 2015 @ 9:27 pm

    For the wonderful teachers at Discovery Montessori who taught our son to read at 12 years old!

    Reply

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