Getting Involved

Hello, and Happy Halloween! I hope that you have had an enjoyable, safe weekend. If you have been reading these posts, I hope you have learned a lot about Autism. I certainly have enjoyed the experience. If you have been reading this, perhaps you know someone who has Autism, or maybe you don’t. Either way, I think that today we should talk about one question that I have yet to answer: “What can I do to get involved?” One obvious way to get involved is to spread the word about Autism among parents and educators, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

Yet, there is another way to get involved. You may remember an organization that I discussed in my second post “What is Autism?” Autism Speaks is the organization that was started by two grandparents of a child with autism that raises both awareness and funds for research on autism. We talked about the awareness, but we never discussed the raising of funds. You may be thinking, “How does the site raise money for research on Autism?” The main source of funds comes from volunteers who raise money and participate in a program called “Walk Now for Autism Speaks.”

At the website called Walk Now for Autism Speaks, you can find information about the walk programs. It explains that the program is actually the largest grassroots autism walk program. It also tells us that the walk raises not only money but also spreads awareness for Autism and research. The website lists the many cities and dates that the walks take place. There are more than 80 different cities in the United States that host a walk, and even cities in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Perhaps you cannot do a walk for Autism or money to donate. I suggest donating your time! Adam’s Camp is a great place to volunteer. The website for Adam’s Camp explains all about the camp. Based out of Colorado, Adam’s Camp is an organization that provides therapeutic and recreational programs for children with special needs and their families. The camp accepts volunteers for the summer camps and also office support anytime of the year.

Another way to get involved is to raise money for a nonprofit organization (such as Adam’s Camp, or Autism Speaks) by having a bake sale, craft fair, or garage sale. Get together with your community and get rid of items you don’t use anymore, or put your baking skills to work by making some cookies!

Whether you spread the news about early intervention, participate in a walk, volunteer your time, or set up a bake sale with friends, there is one thing left to say. You have learned all about autism; now get out there and do something!

References

Autism Speaks, Home Page. (n.d.). Autism Speaks, Home Page. Retrieved October 30, 2009, from http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Home- Adam's Camp. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2009, from http://www.adamscamp.org/

Home>Walk Now For Autism Speaks. (n.d.) Retrieved October 30, 2009, from http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/site/c.igIRL6PIJrH/b.4356939/k.BF85/Home.htm