Did You Know?

• 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 $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double 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

All of this information is simply incredible to me. That’s why I am very fortunate to know a woman that is dealing with autism in her own family, that was able to let me know about Autism Awareness Month! World Autism Awareness Day was on April 2nd and there continues to be events throughout the country during the whole month of April.

• The Autism Society of America has teamed up with Pump It Up. Bounce for Autism events around the country. You can find out more information and register online at Autism Society. For Portland area mamas, there will be an event at the Beaverton Pump It Up on April 11 from 4-6pm. Check it out!
• The Autism Society of Oregon is having their annual walkathon on April 13 at Oaks Park. Take the whole family to support and encourage children on the autism spectrum disorder, then stay buy a discounted ride bracelet! Go to Autism Society of Oregon for more information.
• Autism Speaks and Athletes Against Autism have come together for several events to promote autism awareness. The San Francisco Giants game on April 11, The Chicago White Sox game on April 13, The Fresno Grizzlies game on April 18, The Seattle Mariners game on May 7. For more information on these and other events sponsored by Autism Speaks click here: Events .

There is a lot of information out there, here are some of the best resources we have found to learn more, support our local community, and support our global community:

www.autismspeaks.org
www.autism-society.org
www.tacanow.org

of why I love to live in Portland! It is the first day in a while that the weather warmed up and the sun was shining. We still have a bit of a swamp in the front yard, but the backyard is drying out nicely. The boys and I spent all day running here and there, but tomorrow we are going to get outside and play! What are your favorite activities for a nice sunny day? What are some of the things you long for during those cold winter days?

Here’s some of what we enjoyed today:

• Playing with our shadows
• Went on a walk around the neighborhood
• Looked for all the animals we could find on our walk
• Made “leaf pets”
• Wore sandals!
• Examined all the colors we could see in our yard

Wherever you are, let’s all think warm Spring thoughts!