On April 7th, Team Teagan hosted the First Annual FireFly 5K/1 mi Walk, Run! It's safe to say we had the biggest Autism run in East Texas. We had 250 runners and raised close to $10,000 for Autism Speaks! The evening of April 7th was a bit brighter thanks to all the FireFlies that showed up to show support for the Autism Community.
Here are the reasons that Autism Awareness should be Important to you!
1)Because we have a new epidemic on our hands, my friends! 1 in 88 kids are diagnosed with autism, according to reports this week by the CDC (Center for Disease Control). An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. By way of comparison, this is more children than are affected by diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome, combined (AutismSpeaks). ASD affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide.
It is likely that if you do not personally know Teagan, you do know a family who has a child with autism...that family might be yours! These families need the world's support, now more than ever!
2) Because autism is misunderstood! The media makes autism out to be the new genius! Even though I love the new show Touch (on Fox) and have always loved the movie Rainman, these individuals featured on this show with autism are not the normal. Many kids with autism are brilliant and have a different type of intelligence, much like researcher Howard Gardner described in his book Leading Minds. Since 1999, Gardner has identified eight intelligences: linguistic, logic-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Gardner is still considering a ninth, or existential intelligence. His research had nothing to do with autism. When it comes to the intelligence level of a child with autism, this has nothing to do with the disability per say. This is a misconception of many, so having an autism awareness month allows for truth and facts on autism to be revealed!
3) Because there are teachers who love their special education jobs! There is a rare type of educator working with children who are autistic. These special education teachers have a challenging job. But they continue to be devoted to the well being of the children they work with. This includes a number of school speech therapist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist! Autism Awareness Month should acknowledge these self-less individuals who make an impact in a child's life.
4) Because friends find the joy that children with autism, like Teagan bring to the world, despite their challenges. Supportive friends make daily life wonderful! Individuals who care what is happening in Teagan's life and share the story of Teagan and others on the spectrum make April a fabulous month. They enjoy the pictures and comments about Teagan as much as Danny and I do! At the FireFly run, there were people wearing Team Teagan shirts, who I did not even personally know! Amazing!! In addition, several people who do not know me personally were asking..."where's Teagan, I need to meet this kid?"
5)Because of siblings like Taylor and Tristan who hold Teagan's hand when he needs it! It's not easy being a sibling of a child with autism. Danny and I try very hard to ensure that the shadow of autism does not block the sunlight from any of our children. Every day Taylor and Tristan look beyond his disability and look more into who he is as a person, a child, a sibling! They love him...they play with him...they include him...they often do not notice his autism.
7) Because of neighbors who look out for children like Teagan. Teagan is a wanderer, so having neighbors who look out for his sudden bolts down the street are priceless. It takes a village to raise a child.
8) Because of community support. 250 Runners signed up for a first annual FireFly 5k run benefiting Autism and numerous sponsors donating money and goods...well that, speaks for itself!
9) Because of doctors and therapist! These individuals work hard to ensure Teagan is healthy and happy. They also are willing to make referrals for services that Teagan can benefit. They help me fight the insurance company with letters and diagnosis codes!
10) Because of children just like Teagan, that light up the world, not just on April 2nd and not just through the month of April but every day, every month...all the time!
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