Autism Awareness Blog Hop + RAK!!!

It's a blog hop!! This hop is a bit different than most you may have followed. Today at each of the blogs in our hop we are going to share some information about Autism. All of us at Ideas For Scrapbookers are concerned with special needs of all kinds. Several of our families are directly affected by physical, medical, developmental or cognitive challenges. Both Cathy and I have children that are on the Autism Spectrum. With April being Autism Awareness Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some information as well as some scrapbooking and crafting with you.

We hope that you enjoy hopping to the blogs of the Artists, (some are even offering RAK's to the hop participants). So be sure to check them all out!

The hop spots are:
Cathy ~ Scraps of Life
Heather ~ Miracles Momma Designs
Dolores ~ The Joy of Scrapbooking
Sarah ~ Red Oak Lines
Susan ~ Keeping in Touch

So let's start it off by helping you understand what autism is.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. People with ASDs handle information in their brain differently than other people. ASDs are “spectrum disorders.” That means ASDs affect each person in different ways, and can range from very mild to severe. People with ASDs share some similar symptoms, such as problems with social interaction. But there are differences in when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms.

A Few Autism Facts

• Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys

• Autism prevalence figures are growing

• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined

• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

• Autism is 4-5 times more prevalent in males than in females

• Autism is a life-long disorder

To learn more please visit Autism Speaks

Today I am sharing a page I made about my son who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two and a half. This is a follow up to the page titled: A Year of Progress. First I am sharing the text for my page.

Sean, over the years, you have made so much progress. You were diagnosed with Autism at the age of two and a half. At that time you were barely talking or giving eye contact. The doctor seemed hopeful and encouraged us to be the same way! Over the years, you started talking so much that we knew that you would be just fine in that area. You began to read around the age of three and your speech came along with that. Your communication skills grew and grew and by the time you entered first grade, you will were able to play along side with your peers. We have had you in speech therapy since you were around three and you always did so well with that. You all are learning more and more how to use your social skills when appropriate! Daddy and I are so proud of your and know that your future is bright!



Leave a comment to win a cool RAK from me!!! I will randomly chose one person to win a $35 gift certificate to scrapbook.com OR a prize pack if you want that instead. I will chose (randomly) that winner on April 29th at 10 pm and announce it shortly after that ;)

Next stop on the blog hop is Cathy who will be sharing information about the signs of ASDs. If you get lost in the hop, you can always come back here to the full list of participants and continue on your journey.

I also wanted to thank Cathy for taking the time to put this blog hop together! Thanks Cathy!!

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about autism.