I totally missed the boat. I have been so darn busy and in the midst of editing {new sneak peek tomorrow!}, shooting, getting this blog going, and transitioning to full-time, I just plain missed the boat. So, bear with me as I tell myself that April isn’t too far gone yet {holy cow, it’s almost June!} and that it is still completely okay to celebrate it. You see, April is Autism Awareness Month. It’s a big deal to me and every year I am deeply grateful for those who commit their lives to teaching, treating, helping, raising, and supporting people with autism {or ASD – autism spectrum disorder}.
According to the Autism Society, “Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.”
– Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys
– Autism prevalence figures are growing
– More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
– Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
– Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
– Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
– Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
– There is no medical detection or cure for autism
I have know about autism probably since I was 12. My mom has dedicated a major part of her life and her heart to families affected by autism and I have been blessed with knowing some very amazing, very inspirational people through her work. Because I have a deep appreciation for what she does, for the families she works with, and children living with autism, I want to celebrate their unique beauty. I am going to give away one free mini session to a family that has been touched by autism, so email me and tell me your story or the story of someone you know. All that I ask is that the winner be willing to share their story here on my blog to help raise awareness and offer a unique perspective.
I will be taking entries until June 12 and plan to announce the {random} winner here on the blog. Thank you in advance for sharing your stories of love, inspiration, and hope!
**Please only submit entries for families available for a Houston-area shoot.
Hello! My name is Terra Howard & I’ve seen your work. So AWESOME! My son is 12 & has Asperger’s. I love unique ways of introducing/educating Autsim/Asperger Syndrome to people. And to be perfectly honest we haven’t had a family picture taken since he was 4. Our story, HIS story is probably like so many others. I knew my son was different. Because at the age of 1 he knew the alphabet, front to back & could count to 100. But he was always sick, couldn’t walk, cried all the time & was just “off”. By the age of 3 he knew the states, capitols & how to play chess. But he wouldn’t talk to anyone his age, couldn’t ride a bike or swim or eat normal foods. After several years of Dr. after Dr. & wrong diagnosis I took him to a Neuro at Texas Childrens & within 30 minutes Reid was diagnosed with Autism/ Asperger. We hit the ground running!! He was 7 yrs old. Reid endured weeks & months of therapy to learn to write, walk straight, tie his shoes,be able to wear socks & pants without being in pain. Of course there is no cure but today he can wear socks, talk to people & is in mainstream classes at school. Amen!! He actually learned to ride a bike last year & can I just tell you my husband, myself & most of our neighbors were outside crying & watching this giant kid ride a tiny bike cheering like it was the Olympics!! People probably thought we were crazy. Reid has taught me more than I could ever teach him. He is my hero & truly one of my favorite people. Whether or not we end up being picked I appreciate what you’re doing. Most Autism families I know don’t have a lot of pics for various reasons. Thank you for doing this.
this is who i just sent you the email about…see what i mean? haha! i told her i wanted to submit her…but she is SO passionate about her Aspie and her fam in general, that she took the time to share a little of her story. pretty amazing, huh?!?!?