I suppose we need a specific day like today April 2 to raise further awareness of autism and its effect on an individual. We are in a much better position than, say, 10 years ago because today we have programs and services, which, when a family is able to access them, gives them hope for a better future for their offspring with autism spectrum disorder. The programs, which are increasing in the array available to those who are financially able to access them, are indeed many and parents of these children believe that one of those programs that would fit their child. They have hope today. The general public too is today somewhat more aware of the nature of autism and they are in a better position to feel empathy for a parent who has taken the proactive step to counter disapproving frowns on people's faces when they have to watch the child scream or spin or flap their hands uncontrollably in public places. They know that it has to do with a disorder they don't fully understand yet and that the it's not caused by poor parenting skills. People are reading and listening about autism. They are curious about why individual with autism behave and think in a certain way. We now have an open mind that seeks to understand it and seek solutions. We have the government including programs and services for autism in its annual budget. It's not nearly enough because we still have long painful waiting lists for these services and children suffer for years before it becomes their turn. School boards are mandated to come up with support programs to assist these children academically. Teachers and educational assistants are growing in their awareness of the issues these children face in group learning environment. They are taking extra courses. Whether they are able to walk back into their classrooms and apply what they've learned as effectively as they should, it's a different matter. But, we have this help out there and when we talk more about it openly with those around us, we spread the word and more people get involved in solving this great mystery of autism that is stalking our children and members of our communities. So, that's why it's important that we continue to highlight autism issue and have it gain momentum each year so that one day we can reach that moment when we get to know what's causing autism and we are able to address it in the best possible way. Right now, we have theories and solutions. Parents of these children would go to the ends of the earth to find that hopeful solution and help give their child a better future. At this time, parents like these are fighting for their child as if in a fog. They see their child suffering and want to know why so that they can begin seeking help but the lack of knowledge as to what the cause of autism, these parents are left in a trial and error situations. The only way the general public can help these families for now is to show empathy for their daily struggles, at times loss of hope and frustrations. By helping to educate those around them and preventing an unkind word from reaching the child with autism and his/her family members, they are helping families affected by autism spectrum disorder in their own way. To them, I say read more and more to understand autism. Meanwhile, join in today in sharing the joys of a child with autism in families you already know.
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