Autism Awareness Month

Today marks the beginning of Autism Awareness Month. A friend of mine has a son with autism, and listening to her speak about her struggles (and his) got me to question just what is autism? Most of us think "Rainman", don't we? Actually, Rainman was a unique case. As are ALL autistic people. What I have learned through my reading is that the symptoms of autism vary widely. In fact the disease affects no two people in the same way. The following is borrowed from the Autism Society of America:

Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.” The five disorders under PDD are: Autistic Disorder Asperger's Disorder Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) Rett's Disorder PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which been outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Prevalence of Autism Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 166 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2004). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child. And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls. When I was younger, I used to volunteer at this home for the disabled. One of the guys there had autism, and I used to spend quite a bit of time with him. Jimmy had his own little world. And it took many months before he would recognize me when I came (or show recognition, rather). The staff taught me to just be there, to talk to him and to be interested in whatever he was doing. He had no family, they dumped him off at that place. Which I have found to be quite...Coldly convenient for the family. The interesting thing about my time with Jimmy is that he taught me more than I could ever hope to teach him. Through the intervening years, I've never forgotten that first smile of recognition when I walked into his sparse room. And though admittedly, my compassionate nature was trashed by my drug usage for a long time, I find that I am able to feel that compassion I felt for Jimmy those many years ago. He taught me that life IS a gift, and that the mind is such an amazing instrument of God's creative power, even the mind affected by such a disease as Autism. Unfortunately, I haven't had the privilege of meeting my friend's son yet, though I would love to. But I believe that he and I would hit it off...Sooner or later. But I digress...... You know, becoming aware is great, but this awareness leads me to ask the question, " What do I do with this awareness?" There are thousands of causes out there, and most of them worthy. So how do you choose? Do you send money? Pray? Give time? Volunteer? The answer for me is to personalize my involvement. What I mean is that for me to give to a "cause" just doesn't feel right. If I take up a cause and support it, then I am going to get my hands dirty, so to speak. For me that means personal contact. So, if my friend needs help cleaning the house, or mowing the yard, or whatever, I'll help her. NOT because she's a "cause". Do not mistake what I am saying. But because I care for her, I will do whatever I can to help make her life easier. And if I get the chance to meet her son, I will endeavor to get to know him, and to learn from him (you would be amazed what you can learn from listening and observing!). I hope you will get involved today. For those of us who are in recovery, volunteering or just pitching in to help is a great way to give back a little of what we took for so long. I believe it's all a process of redemption. And redemption is, after all, a product of grace. Till next time..... When you begin to touch your heart or let your heart be touched, you begin to discover that it's bottomless, that it doesn't have any resolution, that this heart is huge, vast, and limitless. You begin to discover how much warmth and gentleness is there, as well as how much space. Pema Chodron