Are you blue?

Years ago the catch phrase for Motel 6 was..."we'll leave the light on for ya". When we enter a dark room in our homes...we first turn on the lights. The light dispels darkness. Light is also a symbol of truth, wisdom, and purity, as seen in the light of things holy. Our nations symbol, the Statue of Liberty, even holds a light. President Cleveland spoke about her light, stating that the "stream of light shall pierce the darkness of ignorance..." During October, we encourage our children to visit homes that have their light on, in hopes of getting their plastic bags and baskets filled with goodies for Halloween. It is the light that says "you are welcome here". The use of light has been around well, since after the dark ages :) The Chinese have used lanterns for centuries as a way of communicating with neighbors. The color of the light indicated the mood of the home at that time.


Darkness is a symbol of death, morning, and illness. A dark establishment is uninviting, vacant, and cold. At times of death and morning we look for the light to bring comfort and peace. Even now, we use light in our homes to represent life, living, and warmth. We use fire to light, warm, and comfort. We use candles to add light, warmth, and comfort, as well. The use of light means security.


For those who have disabilities on the autism spectrum- darkness is very common. Schools for decades have hidden these children, hospitals have placed them as outcast, people have bullied these special individuals. Our society for centuries has pushed away those who are not the "norm". Darkness is common...darkness for these individuals is the norm. There is no open door, no light on for individuals on the autism spectrum, based on our society's view. And you and I have created this darkness. My son, Teagan, walks through that darkness daily although his face could light up a moonless midnight sky. Finding "houses" with the light on...is few and far between. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) announced that America has an epidemic on their hands- its name is Autism. The CDC reported this week that 1 in 88 kids have autism, that is 1 in 54 boys! This shows that autism is up 23% since 2006 and 78% since 2002. YIKES! In addition, studies now show that 1 in 50 kids, school age (6-17 yrs old) have autism. And autism costs the U.S. $137 billion a year.

So I ask you my dear friends...will you turn your light on for Teagan and millions of others just like him? Or will he encounter your "house"...with fear and darkness?

For centuries, individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to autism spend their entire life on Earth in a dark place. This darkness is in rejection and lack of acceptance due to ignorance. It is our very society that leads individuals to isolation and pain. Every day there is a reminder that "you do not fit in". However, everyday, parents like myself look for "houses" that are compassionate and willing to help. My lil Teagan will not grow up in darkness...his life is too bright for a light to be turned off because of a diagnosis. Of course, our lives together will be filled with pain, heartache and suffering, but not darkness. It is the simple symbol of light that will brighten our day- and that light is hope!


It is the light of hope that I am asking you to shine. You can show the world that you support Teagan and other children like him, in his quest to live life to the fullest with every opportunity that this life can offer him. On April 2nd, 2013, in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, my house will be lit- blue. My porch will shine with the brilliance of blue lights- letting the world know that we are hope, we have light in our home. You can join me with a simple act of placing blue lights in your porch lights for 1 night- April 2nd. Stop by Home Depot and purchase a blue light bulb for just a couple bucks to replace your existing porch light. Our house stays lit the entire month of April!

"By taking part in this campaign, you will bring hope and encouragement to countless individuals on the autism spectrum and their loved ones. Stand with the autism community, and let your commitment to our cause shine bright." -Amy Gravino, a Self-Advocate, Writer, Asperger’s Syndrome College Coach

So I ask you again my dear friends...will you turn your BLUE light on for Teagan and millions of others just like him? Or will he encounter your "house"...with fear and darkness?