CNN's Day Focused On Autism

Wow... DID YOU SEE THAT?? A whole day of programing focused on "autism." From start to finish, on April 2, 2008, CNN dedicated the bulk of the day to autism. Kudos to CNN.

I could NOT watch the whole day, however contacted others that could, and I was moved by what I heard and saw with my own eyes. Everthing from reports, success's, controversial matters, and families, to beliefs and whats being done (and not) to address the matter. And that's just in the few hours I could watch.

I don't know what to say, however, GOOD JOB CNN!!!

Are You Having Problems Coping with Challenges Related to Autism.

Having a loved one with Autism can be a very stressful issue for anyone. It can put strain on a marriage, personal relationship, and family in general.

Care takers can very easily become so consumed with taking care of their loved one with autism that other eras of the marriage or relationship may suffer. Siblings can become jealous over the attention the child challenged with autism may receive.

When you see the personal dynamics of your life starting to change it may be time to seek the help of a mental health professional or if you are religious a faith-based counselor. Getting insight and support from an objective 3rd party who is a skilled professional could be invaluable to your wellness. It could also help heal strained relationships.

This is something you should seriously consider because it is essential that people with autistic family members have support systems that are strong. Having an autistic family member isn't always a challenge. Sometimes it seems like a gift. I learn so much about the human spirit and unlimited human potential by watching my daughter fight every day to overcome her limitations.

We all have limitations and people with autism can help us see we can always strive for new heights with dignity and grace. If you are a person of faith you might seek out the services of a Christian Counselor like Faithworks Counseling. Or check with mental health organizations in your state to find a counselor near you.

Never Loose Hope

http://www.son-rise.org/

Autism....

...understand it, learn it and confront it head on.

I've heard it said, before you can truly be totally dedicated to 'something' (or one), you have to 'die' to self first. For instance, speaking from a spiritual stand point, before one could be a follower of "Christ", one has to die to those things that keep them from doing so. If they love HIM then they WOULD die to those things that stand in the way.

What or rather "who" do you love. Are you dedicated to your loved one? Are you willing to die to those things that stand in your way of their recovery? What keeps you from being what your loved one needs you to be for them? Is it sacrifice? What about your time? Is it procrastination, impatient's, a self serving attitude? What about money? Do you put investments in education or things that would make you (or them) better off for them.

As Christ died a physical death for those that follow HIM, are you willing to die for your cause, as if its on YOUR plate its YOUR cause? Are you willing to die to self? Better yet, are you WILLING to die for your loved one?

Just a question.

Have a great day!

New Year New Time

You already know, this year's NOT last year. What ever has been working, lets do it better. What ever has been positive, lets continue along this path. We just cannot let good enough be our battle cry no matter what is going on our lives. Yes, pick and choose your battles, however don't choose so few your life is no longer your own.

That said, live with life, love as if there were no tomorrow, and leap like you've got somewhere to go.

Have a good one!

Thanksgiving

Woah! What a time of year... Folks making travel plans, getting excited about seeing friends & family. Those who cook figuring out how this year will be even 'tastier' then the last, and people who are looking for a much needed break, can expect at least a short period of a manditory break.... Well maybe.

As a parent, sibling, friend or family member of someone with autism, the time might possibly be used as an opportunity to reflect. That is, more than a chance to look back on all to be thankful for, but specifically what that person has meant in your life.

You see, I don't think anybody looks for self inflicted challenges in the sense of, "please let somebody close be diagnosed autistic so we can....blah blah blah." Thats just plain silly. That said, because it is thrust upon us and our loved one(s), I think it important to do an evaluation of ourselves. Our attitude about it, what we do/have done in reaction to it, what role do we play in their lives, how do we 'really feel' about it and finally, being "thankful" for that individual in our lives, autism and all.

You see Thanksgiving doesn't necessarily have to be all about celebration. Although I like to eat good food and spend time with family as much as the next guy/gal, its not the same experience for everyone. After all, there are folks who've lost loved ones around the day, or have experienced tremendous pain or see the day as one of the most depressing times of their lives. As a matter of fact if you are a native American, your view might be all together different. However, all said, if YOU are a person that thinks one day HIGHER than the next, in this case Thanksgiving, why not use it also as an opportunity to look at your loved one and love them just as they are. Learn to love them they way they need to be loved as well as learn to be what they need today, even better than yesterday, to make their tomorrow more fulfilling. Just a thought!

Now go stuff your face with a whole lot of food that you'll be sorry about eating 10 minuites later.

We Are The World

Are any of you old enough to remember when one of Billboard 100's number one songs "We Are The World" came out? It is a song written by two giants in the music industry at the time and produced by one of America's best & well known music producers.

Written by both Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced by Quincy Jones, the 1985 song was a collaboration of over thirty-five artists. They all came together to address the one issue of hunger in Africa.

Singer & activist Harry Belafonte initiated the project and fundraising effort. His manager, Ken Kragen, suggested the multi-artist approach, inspired by the success of the British super group Band Aid and their 1984 fundraising single "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Within the realms of our immediate communities and households, "WE ARE and mean the WORLD to our families and yes Children."

In the development and success of the project mentioned above all it took was one person taking one step in achieving something that has yet to be reproduced. Dozens of well known, busy, hard working artists coming together for the needs of others. To comprehend the feat you might consider just six,... any six (6) popular singers of the day. With all the issues, arrogance, drama, schedules, prior commitments, self serving attitudes not withstanding, could it be done today? Well the short answer is, who knows. Everyone has 'something' that they'd drop everything for. However, all it takes is one step (or effort) to find out.

That said, if you have visited this blog even once, you know and understand that the issue of 'autism' is not something that has its share of wealthy mega STARS banning together to address and 'stomp [its painful existence] to smithereens.' Not to say it wouldn't happen, however, to date, it hasn't. Just a thought!