13th autism awareness month comes to a close

by Lisa Ackerman

At the end of today, my 13^th autism awareness is coming to a conclusion. 13. I have experienced 13 of these months asking for the same efforts – awareness. With the numbers now 1 in 88 or the new 1 in 50 parent survey (1) I would love to meet someone that is not aware or affected by autism and the toll it takes on a family. It would be refreshing to have a conversation that does not involve autism. But I don’t know anyone that isn’t somehow involved or understand something about autism.

There are still folks that thought celebrating this month was a good idea. I don’t understand the idea of celebrating a huge challenge to an individual or family (2.)

After 11 years of awareness, TACA replaced the word “awareness” to ACTION in all our communications and efforts (3). We have never looked back.

Thankfully, a lot of ACTION occurred this month that will make a big difference for families living with autism. Hundreds have acted to help TACA deliver out mission to families. We applaud and appreciate those efforts.

But TACA’s efforts are just a drop in the bucket based on the overall need. Families living with autism are struggling more than ever before. During hard economic times, the small resources that were available have dwindled away in the past three years. For many families, TACA is their only lifeline. As a community, we need to do more for them and their children.

The current annual autism costs are $137 billion a year with no end in sight (4.) Autism will affect every tax payer, regardless of how they vote.

In November 2012, the autism community was very fortunate to receive the first congressional hearings in over a decade. There is still much work left to be done. We need major follow up on these hearings to occur.

Ask your family, friends, neighbors and providers to please take action. Please share this crucial information with them on behalf of your child and hundreds of thousands of others just like him/her. For details please see this link (5.)

As we move into May, please know that our children are still affected by autism. We are painfully aware. The families TACA serves still need help. Thank you in advance for acting in April or any month. We need you.