Today, April 2, is “World Autism Awareness Day”
It’s our FIRST autism day.
In 2007 the UN adopted this date to bring awareness to the disorder of autism.
“This UN resolution declares WAAD as one of only four official health-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.”
So today the world stops and recognizes this disorder and the Prince family DEFINITELY recognizes it. We can’t do anything else.
So why does KELLER want you to be aware of autism? Well let him tell you himself.
“Be Aware of Autism, From the Heart of Keller Prince, 21 Months Old”
1. Be aware of autism but know that Autism is not who I am, it’s just a way to help you understand me. I am not my diagnosis, I have a diagnosis. I am not an autistic child, but I am a child with autism. It just means that I learn and see the world differently. It’s not a reason to look down on me, but a reason to stop and try to see the world through my eyes. Maybe you will learn something new.
2. Be aware of autism because kids with autism feel the world differently. To you it may be a normal day, or a normal mall, or a normal gathering, but to me it’s overwhelming and hostile. That doesn’t mean that my meltdown is because I am a bad kid, it means I am overwhelmed and don’t know how to express myself. Give me grace and I promise you will also see the happy, fun loving, bright-eyed side of me too.
3. Be aware of autism because it’s changed my world, but more be aware of autism because it’s changed SO MANY OTHERS’ WORLDS. In Ocean View, if you have autism it can be almost impossible to get even a diagnosis or treatment. Because I have so many people who love and support me I will get the best care possible and will flourish. Everyone isn’t so lucky. Be aware and lend a hand so OTHERS can have the therapies and doctors that I will have so easily. Every person with autism deserves the best care.
4. Be aware of autism because it makes me special. Autism doesn’t make me less, but it makes me different. That is okay. It’s okay to be different, it’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to need help, and it’s okay to take a different road. I didn’t choose this road of autism, but it’s going to make me the most incredible Keller Prince in the world. And that is more than okay; it’s great.
Thanks for BEING AWARE OF AUTISM with us!