Autism Awareness Month

Autism awareness is definitely dear to my heart. In the wake of today's new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stating that autism now affects 1 in every 110 American children, Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, called on the federal government to immediately step up its efforts – and dramatically increase funding – to address the growing national autism public health crisis.

The CDC report, published in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), states that 1% or 1 in every 110 children has been diagnosed with autism, including 1 in 70 boys. This represents a staggering 57 percent increase from 2002 to 2006, and a 600 percent increase in just the past 20 years. Other significant findings include that a broader definition of ASDs does not account for the increase, and while improved and earlier diagnosis accounts for some of the increase, it does not fully account for the increase. Thus, a true increase in the risk for ASD cannot be ruled out. Even though parents typically express concerns about their child's developmental progress before age three, the average age of diagnoses is not until 53 months, although diagnoses are occurring earlier than found in the 2002 study. The report uses the same methodology that produced the CDC's 2007 prevalence findings of 1 in 150 children with autism.

These new findings reinforce that autism is an urgent and growing public health crisis that affects most individuals across their lifespan and demands a commensurate level of action from both the public and private sectors.






Free Educational Software

Hiyah.net offers free educational software is made for children 18 months to 4 years of age  (or higher for children struggling with language delays due to autism or other causes).

A Kid Safety Band is the pioneering silicone wristband designed for children and other dependents. Parents customize their Kid Safety Band with the initials of their child along with their contact number(s). If your child wanders off, any law enforcement officer or good Samaritan, can quickly identify the child's information and call you immediately!
You can also place your child's allergies and or medical conditions. This is the most affordable way to keep your kids safe and most of all the kids will love it! Kid Safety Bands are only $5.00 each. Medical ID bracelets can cost $80.00 and children complain the bracelets are uncomfortable.