Facts about autism

* 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
* 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
* 67 children are diagnosed per day
* A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
* More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
* Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
* Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
* Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
* Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
* There is no medical detection or cure for autism

When I first learned Braedon was autistic it was very difficult. I spent many a time crying and struggling to understand what I could do to help him succeed. I have since been able to come to "terms" with this and to be okay with it. I see it more as an opportunity now, versus a handicap.

My main struggle these days is how slow development is. I sometimes look around at friends with children the same age as Braedon (almost 3 1/2) and get frustrated. It's like living life in very slow motion. When you think of a child who is almost 4, you might think of talking, going to the movies, visiting the zoo, maybe even a trip to disneyland. When you think of a child who is almost 4 with autism, you think about going to the grocery store without an outburst, thinking that a trip to the zoo would be fun but you can't stay long because it will be too overwhelming, and when you think of a trip to disneyland you laugh because it just wouldn't work right now. I think that is my biggest struggle right now. I am certain that at a distant time, Braedon will enjoy all of those things. It's just the waiting part I seem to be impatient with.

I am going to try and share some information and thoughts around autism this month. It is Autism Awareness month. We'll see how it goes...