Apr 3, 01:53 AM
This is the National Autism Society’s ribbon for autism awareness. A large reproduction of it is currently displayed on the grass of Texas Motor Speedway, and Joshua and I are thrilled. Each time the camera catches a view of it, or the announcers make reference to it this weekend during the races, we will holler ‘yahoos’ and applaud.
Unless you are touched personally by a disorder, you might not pay attention when ribbons are displayed or information is given. But if you have visited this site more than once, then you probably know that Joshua carries the disorder of Autism, in addition to his Tourette Syndrome, and other associated disorders. So I like to think that you do know someone with autism, and I am hoping that will be enough for you to want to learn a little about this puzzling disorder.
And perhaps knowing that Artie Kempner, Director of NASCAR on Fox Sports, and Hermie Sadler are both parents of a child with autism might interest you as well. Together and on their own they have done much to bring autism awareness to NASCAR fans, and folks across the country. This weekend will be a very special one for anyone supporting autism awareness.
This is also National Autism Awareness Month, and during this weekend ‘The Drive For a Cure’ campaign is featured on Jamie McMurray’s car. It is a sure thing that several references will be made to The National Autism Society and other campaigns such as the upcoming ‘Race For Hope’ project that Elliott Sadler is involved with. We encourage you to follow the links to learn more about these worthy projects.
All of this means so much to Joshua and me, and to all of the families in our country and across the world that have members with autism.
If you have read this article this far, then I am confident that you will pay attention when information is given about how to support the National Autism Society, in fun and exciting ways such as mentioned above.
I know that each time a plug is given, we will consider each one a small victory for families touched by autism.
Thanks for listening, and keep a watch out for that ribbon!
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caw Says:
Apr 4, 08:58 AM:( I’m sorry, Tami, that your experiences with the autism society has not been satisfactory. I know that our local autism society support group is a thriving one, and the woman that leads it, Lisa Vinck, is a powerhouse in our community for making sure the families with autism get a fair deal. Have you had any contact with your local autism group? Each major city or area should have their own local group; if you go to the national autism society site I’m sure it can direct you to the closest one to you.
In every organization I have been involved with, including C.H.A.D.D., and the National Tourette Syndrome Assn., it has not been the ‘national’ group that did much for me at all. It was those local support groups. Without the information that I have gleaned from them, I would be lost. I now am coordinator of the local Tourette Syndrome support group, and I have to honestly say I never have anything to do with National. Whatever I need can be gotten from PA-TSA (the Pennsyvlania Tourette Syndrome Assn., Inc.) and most certainly the most fulfilling experiences I have had, and the mountains of information I have learned, have been from my local meetings.
This is where you sit with other parents, sometimes have speaker meetings, pick up leaflets and brochures, and learn of all your local resources. Local school systems are discussed by the parents that deal with them, you find out who a local family law attorney is, you learn where you can find your local parent/child advocate. You learn which local doctors treat the kids and families right; and which ones to avoid. You learn of resources you could never have found out about otherwise.
If you have not explored your LOCAL autism society support group, please do so. I think your opinion will be radically changed.
Cheryl
Next Racing Scramble! Give it a try! Thank you, Eddie Gossage, for that huge ribbon
Apr 4, 07:43 AM
I am a parent of a child with Autism and while I greatly appreciate the Autism Awareness, I don’t get all that excited and think of this as a small victory for us. The Autism Society has never and I repeat never done anything to help me and my Josh. They diagnosed him and then when I didn’t put him in a home, like they said I needed to do, they basically turned their back on us. Phone calls went unanswered. Their promises of help never came through. I was told that I was put on a waiting list well, my Josh is 17 and I am still waiting. When I have emailed them for advice, they have mailed me forms to fill out to see if he is Autistic.
So I am sorry I can’t jump up and down and get all happy about the ribbon on the field because again there has been no help for my Josh. Everything he has done and accomplished is because of God, Josh and the wonderful teachers that wouldn’t give up.
Tami Lasley