by Lisa Ackerman
My 15th autism awareness year has come to a conclusion. I have experienced 15 of these months asking for the same efforts – awareness. With the numbers now being 1 in 68 (1), I would love to meet someone that is not aware or affected by autism and the toll it takes on a family – especially the individual living with the challenges. It would be refreshing to have a conversation that does not involve autism. But I don’t know anyone that isn’t somehow involved in this topic.
After 10 years of awareness, TACA switched our words to ACTION in our communications and efforts (2). We have never looked back. We can no longer choose awareness as a strategy when it comes to autism.
Thankfully, much ACTION occurred in April that will make a big difference for families living with autism. Hundreds took action to help TACA deliver our mission to families who need our help. We applaud and appreciate everyone’s assistance; TACA’s efforts are a drop in the bucket based on what is needed by so many. Families living with autism are struggling more than ever before. During hard economic times, the small resources that were available have decreased in the past three years. For many, TACA is their only lifeline. As a community, we need to do more for these families and their children.
Autism will affect every tax payer. The current annual autism costs are $137 billion a year with no end in sight (3.) As we move into May, know this – our children are still affected by autism. We are painfully aware. The families TACA serve still need help. We thank you in advance for taking action to help so many families in need.
References
Moving Autism Forward by Team TACA 
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