I had this idea last night and I want to put it down before I forget. As I mentioned in "Spreading Autism Awareness: An Honesty Post" I think the best way to spread Autism Awareness and "help" people understand is to help them walk in our shoes for a little while. Since they can't "actually" walk in our shoes we have to figure out the next best thing and that is sharing our stories. I have been doing that for over a year now and have been met with tremendous positive feedback. I have since started a Facebook group called "Autism touches my heart". This is a safe place where parents can go and either share their stories or vent. The unique thing about this group is that most everyone there "get's it". We have all been there or will be there at some point. It's a great place to get advice or just speak your mind and most importantly "NO ONE JUDGES YOU" because we understand.... Please come check us out...
Why do we want to spread Autism Awareness? Because it is crucial to providing a better world for our Autistic children. When you are aware of something you have a better understanding it. The same thing applies to Autism. If people are aware of Autism then they naturally have a better understanding of it and are open to more information.
So here is what I would like to do and I need your help to do it. I would like to interview you. I would like to ask you a series of questions about how Autism affects your child and your family's life. Nothing really personal or only as personal as you are comfortable going. I will then feature your family here on on the "Lost and Tired" blog. If you have a blog I will establish a link to it so people can follow your story long after they read about it here. I think this is a really good approach because it will help to create an emotional connection and foster compassion. I think part of the problem with current approaches to spreading Autism Awareness is it's either crammed down peoples throats (which is never a good idea) or it's simply to clinical. People can't relate. If you can't relate then how are you supposed to really understand. I hope to help correct this by sharing our stories with the world...
Are you interested? Has Autism touched your life in some way? Are you a parent with an Autistic child? Maybe a grand parent? Perhaps even a teacher or therapist? I would love to hear from you. I just want to show people what Autism "really"is. The good,bad and ugly. People need to see that it's noting like they see it portrayed on TV and movies. These are "real life" stories I want to share.. I think people will want to read your story....
Please send me an email if you are interested and I will get back to you ASAP.
rob@lostandtired.com
