Why we need Autism Education more than ever

Do you call it "awareness"? Maybe you prefer "acceptance"? Whatever term you prefer to use, you're going to be close to the same mark. You can't have one without the other and you can't have any of it without education. This is more important now than it's ever been and that's not a issue that will decrease with time. I'm writing this to provide a list of reasons that prove what I'm saying. I'm even going out on a limb to say they're irrefutable. Let's see what  you think:

Because it's on the rise:  Right now the national averages put autism at 1-88 children. In some places it's more like 1-60, others it's 1-100, but 1-88 is the average ratio. That is an increase in cases from just 5 years ago when the average was 1-100 with the variation being more 80's to around 110. It's hard to say just how the new DSM is going to affect those numbers, but I don't see them dropping. Asperger's as a term may have been dropped, but it's being called simply "autism". That actually could raise the numbers even higher as the forms are lumped together and measured by severity instead of name. Further proof comes from a simple truth that supports the increase in numbers. It's a force of Nature because:

It's hereditary: Children with autism are growing into adults with autism. Just like I did, they are having children with autism. It's the cycle of life and nothing is likely to stop it anytime soon (save a planetary disaster). While all factors of this are in controversy, the hereditary nature is agreed upon. Check out this Wikipedia article. If you hate Wikipedia, maybe the Mayo Clinic is enough to convince you? As both point out, autism has a "strong hereditary factor". So, as long as people grow up and have kids who grow up and have kids, this won't be stopping anytime soon.

Because it's controversial: Autism brings controversy in ways never seen by a medical condition in history. It's the most controversial medical condition ever. You see it in commercials, talks online, in groups, and at gatherings. The autism community is split into factions as much as religion or politics with people who defend their beliefs with equal tenacity. Just look at all the fights over Autism Speaks. There are thousands of supporters to Autism Speaks and just as many who hate them. Someone who reads this will hate me just because I mention their name. Speaking of that, the division of the community is so bad that groups will resort to borderline racial slurs of each other. So autism, not only has it's own scale of belief systems but; for some, it's almost its own ethnic race. All of this goes to the level of picket lines and huge demonstrative gatherings for each side. If there's one thing that shouts for education to save the day, it's this! Further controversy goes into the fact that there are still hundreds of people out there who don't believe autism is even real. That includes some doctors.

Because kids go to school: IEP's are going to become even more common than before. Some public school systems complain that they are overrun with IEP issues. It gets worse because most states seem to think that this is the time to cut funding to schools across the nation. Thanks to population growth and the fact that autism is on the rise as documented, they couldn't make a worse decision if it involved drilling holes in their heads. Kids with autism have vastly differing needs. That means more IEP's. That means more costs. They need more funding, not less. So there's another entire group of people who apparently need educating (and they're supposed to be educating our kids).

Because autistic kids become autistic adults: In recent years a genius leap was made where people realized that kids actually grow up sometimes. That created a whole new scale of needs, support requirements and need of education on its own. Strides are being made forward, but more is still needed. As the autism community grows you can bet the need will.

Because of the Media: Let's face it, the media hasn't always been an ally to autism. Sometimes they fudge it up and wind up creating an image for autism that's completely off mark. Some small efforts have been made to change those mistakes, but they are small. I'm talking about the mention, clear at the end of a segment about Adam Lanza that pointed out; "people with autism are no more prone to violent crime than anyone else".  Yep, one whole sentence. I'm glad they said it. Still, keep the media properly educated takes a constant and diligent effort. Not only is there the news to deal with, but an explosion in "autistic" characters in television and movies. That means we have to work even harder to make sure people understand that we aren't all like Dr. House or Sherlock Holmes. We aren't all like Will Graham (of Hannibal) or the boy from Touch. While they're interesting characters, they don't hold a candle to what all of our community is like.

Because of insane costs: Families with autism still face way too many out of pocket expenses. Some of this comes from difficulty getting the professionals to see how much help is needed. Some of it comes from insurance companies not covering all facets of treatment. Insurance companies need education like anyone else, and it appears they still  haven't got it all. Google "autism costs" and get ready for a reality check. With numbers growing, you can bet costs won't be going down.

Because of social ignorance: Where couldn't I go with this? How about the shocking unemployment rate among autistic adults? The reports of difficulty getting halfway considered for jobs are out of this world. It's ridiculous. Good people are falling through the cracks of equal opportunity. Other disabilities still take a hit, but it's harder to prove with "invisible" conditions. Well, employers are in for a wake up call in coming generations, aren't they? Then we can look at bullying and abuse that still happen because it's chaos growing up with autism. It's all over the internet and national news somewhere every day.

Because of apathy in emergency services: Not just apathy, pure lack of education. While there are programs touring to help police, fire and ambulance work with people who have autism; they're going to have to up the ante. Where you once had one autistic child in a household, you now have a whole family on the spectrum. As long as there are people being beaten, pepper-sprayed, and tazed for little more than having a "quirk", education will be a top concern. Obviously, someone didn't know enough and a tragedy happened. People are dying from this.

Finally, autism isn't the only community growing by leaps and bounds with hereditary issues. Bipolar is keeping a steady pace. Mental illness is on the rise in our country and around the world at alarming rates every year. Along with that is an equal increase in discrimination and stigma. It's not a fun life for people with these conditions. For those who say "just lock up all the crazy people", they best be careful. One day that might just be everyone.

To all my Autism Friends and Family

Just because you have autism or a debilitating disorder, doesn't mean you can't leave your mark on this world.

I plan to be a living example of what I just wrote above this line and I'm asking for your support in doing so. NOT monetary support, so just put that out of your mind. I'm asking for moral support in another fashion that won't cost you a thing. I'm asking for a show of numbers. Let me explain.

As some of you know, I have moved on to another project called Galaxy Zento. It is my universe of heroes, villains, fantasy and sci fi and has it's own blog (linked to the name). This universe is how I survived some of my childhood.  I want you to remember that this is the work of a man with increasing health difficulties, disability (autism, brain injury and possibly MS or related). On top of that I want you to remember that this is a man not giving up. So let my example be your example. I want to share that with you.

You are the best of readers and I have enjoyed your support in my autism writings since I started in around 2008. The works of this blog will remain online until the internet ceases to exist (or blogspot does and I hope that never happens). We have shared so much in the world of autism. We've laughed and cried and my work has actually helped a few people here and there. I do hope it helped way more than that. So here is how you can help me with my project.

1: If you have been a "follower" of this blog, please do so on the Galaxy Zento blog too. Even if you never go back to it, it shows support. I really hope you do come back and enjoy the stories I'm writing there, but just the fact that followers show is wonderful and I will be grateful to you for that.

2: Share it! If you like what you read or know someone who likes to read online, share my work where ever you want to! So long as there is a link and I'm posted as the owner, you can even print and share (not sell).  Share anywhere you like and go, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Stumbleupon, whatever!

3: Comment! I would very much enjoy to see comments from anyone. You can post anonymously or sign in and your email will not be spammed (I've checked on that with Blogspot). I will not use your email for anything at all. I would just love to get the interaction. The items above are more important, but this would be very cool to see.

4: If you are on Facebook, come to the Galaxy Zento fan page and click LIKE. That will also NOT spam you and shows your support. Feel free to browse the more than 200 illustrations I have drawn so far (and more to come before I lose any more use of my hands). I hope you will visit there often too. The more "likes" the better. Naturally, as above, comments and all sorts of picture likes are very welcome!  And again, share the same way if you would. On the fanpage there will be updates to all sorts of things Galaxy Zento, that includes the book work and more art.

Now, if you want to, and you see something of my art that you really really like or want to show off Galaxy Zento in other ways, that's where you could make purchases if you want to. I do NOT expect you to. But it is available and I have done Autism art as well. The autism art and T-shirts are available on my CafePress page. Kids sizes are there too. If you want a mug or mouse pad compare prices with my DeviantArt page before you buy. I don't get much out of any sales. I get 2 bucks if you buy a mousepad at DeviantArt for example. But you could get something to show off and enjoy.

Sorry, no T-shirts on DeviantArt.  I will take Autism art requests and make them available!

 My stance will always be for autism education. Want to know who I think you should donate to on autism?   Easter Seals and your local Autism Society chapter, that's who.  If you are in another country and have a group that's helping your community (that's legally recognized and legitimate for taking donations) go with them.

So, what I'm asking to recap is for follows and likes on the blog and facebook and sharing. Commets and interaction would also be nice. So there you have it. I will be passing this around to my friends of autism on facebook and email and I hope you will consider it. Let my example be yours. And know that no one with autism is alone. You are not alone. Thanks and I hope you enjoy what you see!

Do you think?

So you're standing in line somewhere and feeling impatient. The line has been long and you're getting tired. Maybe someone ahead is working slow or someone else is getting confused. What ever the issue you know who it is and you have something to say:

"You disabled people should get out of the way and let a real person do the job." Or maybe you're more of this line of thought, "You disabled bums should get a job and get off my taxes." Either way, you consider them a waste of space and nothing but in your way. And that person heard you, and you wanted them to. They grit their teeth and shuffle on with what ever they were doing. They don't say anything back to you but someone certainly should.

Do you think?

Do you think, as a child, when the teacher asked them what they wanted to be that disabled was the first thing they said? Do you think they said it with a great big smile because they knew it would get in your way?

Do you think they enjoy not being able to do all the things they once enjoyed? Do you know them personally and know what made them that way?

Do you think that soldier who fought for freedom celebrated that shrapnel in his head? Do you think he feels like a success story as he now muddles through his day?

Do you think that guy in the wheelchair was hoping for a roadside bomb to amputate his legs? Do you think that anyone asks to be disabled when they say their bedtime prayers?

Do you think children with down syndrome and autism somehow planned it that way? Do you really think that person would rather be disabled than gainfully employed today?

Do you think they enjoy feeling worthless and unable to do normal things? Do you really think that being on the internet is the same as doing a full time job? Because, since they can move their fingers, that means they can be hired for anything. And who will you direct them to for this magical employment? Maybe it should be you.

Especially, do you think it really helps to hear the cold and callous words of someone like you who knows nothing of what they've been through? Do you think you're helping?

I didn't write this today because of anything recent that happened with me. I wrote it because of all the times I see scorn for the disabled and more for the fact that they want awareness. The truth of the matter is, if it weren't for the people who so flippantly throw their ideas out with callous disregard and lack of knowledge, there would be no need for awareness. If it weren't for people who think that the disabled should just rot in a room somewhere (like "you")there would be no need for the parades, walks and marathons.

So next time you see someone out for awareness with their flag held high. Remember when you scorn them, that you are the reason why.

Why we are so gung ho on autism

I was once asked, not real long ago, why I just “don’t tell” anyone that I have a form of autism. Why am I so gung ho about the autistic community and advocacy? Why is it so important that people are educated about autism?

Well, personally, I have tried this. It doesn’t work because there’s always something that happens that someone wants explained. Like when I flinch because of a movement I caught out of the corner of my eye and someone gets all offended over it. Yes, this has actually happened. I can’t help how my nerves react. They are turned up 10x what you would call “normal”. It gives me a startle reaction that’s completely involuntary. Much like what happens when the doctor tests the reflexes in your knee with that little rubber hammer. So there’s a choice here, explain and try to educate you, or just put up with ignorant judgments over things I can’t control. And this is just a minor example of the stigma that is all over the autistic community and others with disorders/disabilities. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in answering that “why” question.

Just how ignorant can stigma get? Let me share with you a conversation I had with a woman who claimed to have a teaching degree. This conversation was held online on face book and you can find it at the Nancy Grace fan page. These are the things this woman said in this discussion:

" retarded and autistic children do not belong in school with the rest of our children"

" I believe the government should mandate parents with special children that once they have 1 mentally challenged child they are never allowed to have more kids."

"Well my son has to have the same lunch period with the SPECIAL kids. That xxxes me off that he has to look at that “xxx” while he’s eating"

The x’s are for her colorful language. I’m sure you can fill in the blanks. Ignorance spreads ignorance and if we do nothing, innocent people get hurt. Stigma, discrimination, prejudice and what ever else you want to call it, hurts. It can destroy lives. It’s supposed to be illegal for employers to discriminate on disabilities, but it still happens. When teachers, employers, and even just your basic passer-by do things like this and shun people for no good reason, they spread stigma and hurt innocents. So that is why I am so gung ho to advocate on autism. I am defending others to include my own children. Wouldn’t you?