Autism Awareness Day!!!

Everyone knows a child with Autism.

Our nephew Grant was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago. He is a 6 year old beautiful, beautiful boy. He was diagnosed a little late, but Melanie and Travis were very persistent and because of his parents, Grant has been able to do things that they never knew were possible. He is just as capable as any other child, he is just as caring and just as energetic as any other child. We all have quirks and so does Grant. I like being a person with a quirk...(I actually have more than the average person). For more on Grants story go to.....(http://travandmel.blogspot.com) I have a strong admiration for Travis and Melanie. It's hard to be a parent and it takes more patience and more strength to be a parent of a child with Autism. Everyday tasks may seem impossible for a child with Autism, but being persistent has helped Grant achieve everyday goals, soooo.....

Please, join with us to raise awareness for Autism.

Please post these warning signs on your blog!

Be persistent, don't be afraid to keep asking questions at your pediatrician's office, don't be afraid to push until you get the help you need.

Watch for the Red Flags of Autism

(The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.)

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:

No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter

No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter

No babbling by 12 months

No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months

No words by 16 months

No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months

Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age

*This information has been provided by First Signs, Inc. ©2001-2005. Reprinted with permission. For more information about recognizing the early signs of developmental and behavioral disorders, please visit http://www.firstsigns.org or the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/actearly.