Hip2Give: Autism Awareness!
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 at 6:38 pm.
As some of you may have noticed, I chose to remove the post about autism that I posted a little while ago. I made this decision after reading through many of your comments and discovering that several of you had concerns about how your donated money could potentially be used by the organization that I was highlighting. Please know that my intent with the Hip2Give posts is to bring awareness to causes that impact all of us in one way or another…my goal is to create awareness, support, inspiration, passion etc. In other words, I want these Hip2Give posts to be informative, but also positive and uplifting (just like Hip2Save, right 
)!! So with all of that being said, my goal with this post today is to bring attention to Autism as April is National Autism Awareness Month.
Although there are many organizations and individuals who help to support autism, I am now choosing to focus specifically on the Autism Society, a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. The Autism Society helps to improve the lives of all effected by autism.
Here are a couple facts about autism…
*Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).
*Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined (Whew, that is such a startling statistic!)
*Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.
*To learn about the different signs and symptoms of autism, click here
Please take the time to read the story below written by Hasmig, the mother of a boy with autism…
When I close my eyes I can see his tiny white feet resting on my exhausted body. His toes curled up tight melting into my skin. I carefully put tiny, white, cotton socks on his crinkled feet and dreamt about the boy he would become.
You are not allowed to grieve for a living child. You must plaster a smile on your face and nod pleasantly when people try to comfort you by saying, “at least he is still with you.” Was he? I got down on my knees in the summer of 2005 put a blanket over my head and crawled toward my two year-old son. I sat underneath that blanket, underneath the quilted yellow stars and the cow jumping over the moon and asked, “Zachary, where are you? Where are you Zachary?” He did not respond. I took the blanket off, stared at my baby banging two blocks together over and over and thought about the irony of that question. The truth was that no one knew where Zachary was. Autism does not compose an itinerary.
Time has moved us along, sometimes pulling, most often pushing us to move on. I have had the honor of being present when Zachary’s greatness has flickered, unwavering under a mountain of doubts. “Miracle,” to me, is not just a word, a story, an illusion to hope for, it is my reality. I have seen so many. Still, sometimes late at night, always after midnight, clutching a tiny, white, cotton sock in my hand, I cry for lost dreams. How could I explain to the “at least…” crowd that there was a small piece of time when I had it all? When that sweet, white foot rested on my body and asked me to hold on. I couldn’t hold on. When you see that I am not quite myself, you do not need to ask what is wrong. That’s it. I couldn’t hold on.
Each night, I will fall asleep with my soul still screaming that word: AUTISM. Until 1 in 110 is a statistic of the past, until parents no longer have to fight insurance companies, school districts, their governments and sadly their peers simply to construct a life for their children, the mother in me cannot rest.
So many of you may be asking, how can we help? Well, here are some Hip2Give suggestions:
*Donate to the Autism Society by clicking here
*During the month of April, purchase any bINK’d Temporary Tattoo Earrings here and bINK’d will donate 50% of the profits to a Walk Now for Autism family; be sure to enter Autism into the blog/description box to ensure this donation AND your specially marked order will also include a bonus strip of 6 additional images in your container of bINK’d designs!
**For those of you that did not see the first post about the new It’s Hip2Give feature, the purpose of this feature is to highlight charities, nonprofit organizations, and/or outstanding individuals who are striving to improve the lives of others, to enhance communities and to make the world a better place! If you would like to nominate an individual or organization to be highlighted by It’s Hip 2 Give, please send an email to bryn @ hip2save . com (remove the spaces). Please provide the web-site address of the organization, a paragraph about the purpose of the organization, how you may have been personally impacted by this organization etc. Thank you!
Video: Amazing homes for less than $250K
Marcee says:
I am a daily reader (ok, I read your site multiple times a day) and i want to thank you especially for this post. I have a little guy, 9 years old now, that was diagnosed with autism when he was about 18 months old. He is such a joy to me. Thank you again… I LOVE YOUR SITE!!!
Tallymomma says:
As a mom to my little buddy with autism and an advocate thanks for highlighting this most important and fast growing issue.
Tallymomma says:
http://tallymomma.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/spectrum/ It’s amazing to see all the mommies come together.
julie says:
I love your site…Most of your readers are moms and the more we are aware of these causes that you highlight the stronger and brighter we can get and maybe find a cure…..
kristen says:
Thank you for highlighting this orgainization! My son is on the Spectrum, and the more people understand the better.
Sidney says:
Hi Kristen- what does “on the Spectrum” mean? My nephew was just diagnosed with Austism at age 6 and I am trying to learn as much as possible about this disorder.
Susan V. says:
It’s short for “on the Autism Spectrum”. When talking to others in your situation, it’s sometimes easier to say, “My son is on the spectrum” than saying, “My son has autism”
You can reag more about autism at http://www.autismspeaks.org/
HTH
Dallas Scoffield says:
I too am a multi-times a day reader. Thanks Collin for all you do- my sweet 6 year old is on the spectrum and it’s been a hard week with him. Seeing that other people care about what we go through really lifted my day- THANK YOU!
Shelley says:
The Autism Society is amazing! They have helped my family tremendously! The Autism Society had a poem/essay contest, and my daughter wrote a poem about my son. She actually won the contest…and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when she was finished reading her poem. It was beautiful! I have it posted on my blog in honor of Autism Awareness Month.
Thanks for bringing awareness! Like the saying goes, “If you know one Autistic child, you know one Autistic Child”. They are all so unique…and all so special
Sharon says:
My son, who just turned 3 was just diagnosed last month with Autism.
Tara says:
Thanks Collin!!! My oldest brother turned 40 last year. He was diagnosed with autism back when people didn’t know much about it.
Susan V. says:
Thank you for highlighting this organization!! That story made me tear up….my 5 year old son has autism, and has come a long way since being diagnosed almost 3 years ago. When donating, please remember that ANY amount will help. Our family donates to Autism Speaks and you can donate thru them at ToysRus thru the end of the month.
Thanks for all you do Collin, esp. the charities!!
Erin says:
Way to go Collin- good for you for doing some research and not being “too proud” to pull it. Just wrote a check !
Aliviah says:
My son was diagnosed weeks before his 4th birthday last year. I can’t describe the many, many conflicting emotions that I went through and continue to go through each and every day. Thank you so much Collin for highlighting this organization and for also providing this awesome website. I visit multiple times a day and love to see how much hard work you continue to put into it.
Olivia Smith says:
Thanks for sharing this, Collin. Although I do not have anyone close to me with autism, I am aware of it and value each child/person diagnosed. Every person is God’s creation and the Autism Society is working to make sure their value is known!
Sharon Detwiler says:
My son was diagnosed 12 years ago. This was the most devastating event of my life! Through the years we have had many ups and downs but through it all I have been taught how to truly love unconditionally! Making people aware of this illness is so important and I am thankful you are doing your part!
Rita says:
I didnt read the comments from the last post…what was wrong with that charity its actually one we have been solicitated to donate too before and I would like to know if thats not something I should support?
Tresa Beardslee says:
I was wondering the same thing, I didn’t read them either??
colleen says:
I have 2 children with autism. Thanks for doing research and taking time to highlight a very important organization and cause.
Wendy says:
My son who is 12 was just diagnosed with Aspergers, a form of Autism. There are soooo many people out there who are ignorant about this condition. They think that our son is a bad kid who can’t behave. I support most charities. St. Jude that is in my hometown of Memphis, Susan G. Koehman, and the Fallen Firefighters fund. But this condition is so under the radar, I pray that people give and gain knowledge autism.
Lisa says:
Hi, fellow Memphian
Diana says:
Hi, Wendy!!
Tilla says:
Hello, my 12 year old daughter was just diagnosed with aspergers as well, and I feel like we are in an uphill battle to get her the help and services she needs. When she was 6, I knew in my heart she had aspergers, because I had been exposed to other children with it, but her teachers and doctors told me no. I let it go, because I wasn’t going to fight for something I didn’t want for her. Now, 6 years later, dr’s are telling me like duh it’s so obvious. It’s frustrating, but relieving at the same time to finally have a diagnosis. She is so gifted, and so loving…I am trying to learn more to help her. good luck to you and your son
Kerri says:
Collin you are an amazing woman! Thank you.
E says:
Yay! I’m so glad you’re encouraging people to donate!
I hope the folks actually read about Autism even if they aren’t going to donate. It’s important to educate yourself!
Especially the fact that vaccinations do not cause Autism!
Mom of 3 says:
Collin, thank you so much for continuing to support Autism awareness. As a mother of 2 children with Asperger’s, and possibly a third (too little to tell yet, but there are sure signs), this means the world to me. Life has been getting harder and harder as the social life becomes more and more important. Even though I feel very alone here in my town, it is nice to read the comments to know that there are others out there who can relate. Hugs to all the moms and dads out there!
Jen Holdren-Shuey says:
My husband had asperger’s, my two step sons and my husband and I have a daughter (3yrs) together that, well to put it simply, she probably has it too. I have taken some radical steps with regard to the healthcare that she receives. Things actually are looking brighter and the signs/symptoms that she was showing are slowing diminishing. I am not a health care provider, nor do I claim to know all the answers (I have been researching Aspergers for the past 4+ years), however the “alone” feeling I know all to well. If you ever need to chat or need someone to just listen I am more then willing to help. My email is bracley3@msn.com, my name is Jen. Take care
Jen Holdren-Shuey says:
Correction, I just re read my comment and noticed that I had wrote, “my husband HAD Aspergers.” I meant to type HAS. Sorry
Determined Mom says:
Thank you Collin! My little guy began having language problems before his 2nd birthday. My pediatrician was clueless. After researching myself, I found a doctor able to diagnose him with a “leaky gut” syndrome and a very poor immune system. After boosting his immune system and countless months of therapies he is now 10 and thriving!
For those of you moms with newly diagnosed kids, be an advocate for your child, educate yourself and focus on doing all that you can! God Bless you all!!
Hasmig says:
Thank you again for highlighting such an important cause and organization. What a wonderful idea this is!
mary says:
I missed the first posting about this but thank you so much for promoting Autism Awareness.
Mary Lynn Hohman
Columbus, OH
April is Autism Awareness Month.
1 in every 100 children is diagnosed with autism. One of them is mine
Kathleen says:
Thanks so much for mentioning this. My little guy was diagnosed at 18 months and is 8 years old now. We so love our guy, but the challenges we parents face to get services for our kids is sometimes overwhelming. Thanks again.
Michelle says:
Also missed the first post. Also another mommy with an awesome little boy on the spectrum. Great job Collin! you rock
Amy says:
Another proud mom of an autistic child and Hip2Save reader here. Thanks for highlighting the cause!
Kristi says:
You are not allowed to grieve for a living child. You must plaster a smile on your face and nod pleasantly when people try to comfort you by saying, “at least he is still with you.”
Wow. That is powerful. I do not have an autistic child but I can totally understand the above quote. My daughter was born at only 26 weeks and suffered a brain hemmorhage a couple days after birth. She is now 16 months old and has cerebral palsy along with a host of other complications.
Love and hugs to all the moms and dads out there struggling with a special needs child.
Courtney says:
OMG. Collin this is a GREAT Idea. Although my son doesn’t have Autism (He has CP) I strive to bring awareness to all these different issues especially ones that effect kiddos! Something else people can do is log on to http://www.refresheverything.com/generationrescue. & VOTE!! That’s it!! Pepsi is giving away money and Generation Rescue is up for 250,000 for Autism treatments and so much more.
It only takes a second 
Karen says:
My son has Autism, he is the light of my life at 10years old. It is never an easy road, but we cherish the journey! Thank you for highlighting this orginization and making parents aware of the commonality of this disease. Thank you, you are a caring individual!
Ashley Elaine says:
I work for the Autism Society of North Carolina & I think it is great that you are promoting awareness. Thank You so Much!
Regina says:
Thank you Hip2Save!!! Making people aware of this condition is most important. I am the mother of a 14 yr old girl with autism. She was diagnosed at age 6. I had to argue with my Dr to get a diagnosis. Awareness is key!!
R says:
Thank you for this post, Collin! This is very close to my heart. I just want to challenge all those hip2save readers out there that money is not the only way you can help. If you know a parent of someone w/ autism, sometimes the biggest support you can give is to give them an evening out or even an afternoon to shop. Some time out can truly be PRICELESS!!
Jessica says:
I’m a special education Para-educator that’s a little more hands-on than some other para’s. I work one on one in a resource room with all kinds of special kids. I started working there two years ago and my passion for them keeps growing. It’s truly the most rewarding job anyone could ask for. I’m going to school now for elementary education with a minor in special education, but would like to double major or continue to get my masters in special education because I think that’s where my heart truly is. Autistic kids – and any special needs kids – are the most whole-hearted, loveable people I will ever know. Each day is new and exciting and different with them, and I don’t know what I would do without them because they have taught me so much. One thing I will never forget was when we had the presidential election between Obama and McCain. We printed off a picture of each (that way our nonverbal students could join in) and we had a classroom election on who the new president would be. Obama won, but when we asked some students why they chose him – it wasn’t because of his beliefs or his skin color – 2 or 3 of them said “he has a better smile.” Now who wouldn’t love that sincerity.
I could go on and on about the different stories, but I won’t.
Really – my point to the comment is that I am extremely thankful that you would post about such an important topic. Autism, and special education, deserves more recognition and involvement and certainly more credit than what it gets. I just want to say to all of those parents of special kids out there to keep up the awesome work and you’re doing great (because you don’t hear that enough and you deserve to!)
julie says:
agreed..my mother in law is a special ed teacher and has told me some amazing stories…..hats off to you!
Kelly says:
Thanks so much for posting this. I worked at an agency that works with children with autism to help mainstream them into public schools, and now I work at an elementary school helping children with autism get the same education as other children and to help them have successful and happy lives. It really is so rewarding working with these kids!
Janna says:
I am a special education teacher and reading through all the comments just solidifies what we as professionals in this field have witnessed – the growing trend of children being diagnosed with ASD. I am so grateful for the special kiddos I get to work with and for the brave families who face each day with determination. YOU and your awesome kids are MY hero’s!!! Thanks for drawing awareness to this cause Collin!
crystal says:
Collin !!
Thank you for promoting this cause i don’t know anyone with autism..God bless you parents each day..Thanks for taking time out to let your voice be heard and to let us as a people focus on others and inspiration other than coupons…god bless you
Understand says:
My son was diagnosed with a higher functioning autism still on the spectrum. It is hard to understand unless you have been through it. Thanks for helping???
Understand says:
Sorry they were supposed to be !!!!! not ???
Monica says:
My daughter is on the PDD spectrum, thanks for raising awareness Collin, every bit helps!
Ginger says:
My nephew has autism…thank you for this post.
Jennifer says:
Thank you for raising awareness about the spectrum! My 5 year old son is Autistic with severe ADHD. He is our special guy. He is also number 4 out of 6 kids. When he was young we knew something was wrong and the doctor he had at that time would just tell us he is just a very hyper-active little boy. Five of my six kids are boys. I knew what hyper for a boy was and what he had was not it. Finally, one day she saw him on one of his bad days and she realized there was a problem. He now has new doctors and goes to a special school. All of us have worked hard to help him get to the point that he is at today. It’s not easy though. The entire family struggles when a spectrum diagnosis is made. It can be hard on other children in the family because the spectrum child needs so much of the parents’ time and energy. There is also a high divorce rate among parents with children on the spectrum.
So, if you think there may be something that your doctor is missing keep pushing them to look or find a doctor who will. The sooner a child on the spectrum is diagnosed the better it is for the child and the family. Also, remember when you are out and see a child who is acting out remember that it may not be a bad child or bad parenting but may be a child on the spectrum who is stuck in an emotional loop and a parent trying to calm them. There’s nothing worse than being judged or having people make rude comments to you when they don’t know you or your child.
Jennifer says:
Also, I wanted to give special thanks to all the doctors, therapists, teachers and assistant staff that work with special needs children out there. You truly are blessing to the children and their families.
Michelle Fincher says:
I would like to offer hope to all of you with children who have been diagnosed with Autism. My daughter was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder when she was 2 1/2. She is now 16 years old and she is functioning very well. It was very hard for many years but early intervention is the key to helping these children. Don’t give up, things will get better.
dawn says:
THANK YOU COLLIN! My eleven year old son has autism and I am not ashamed to say so. His start was a rocky one (no language, crying, and unaware of people and things around him) and after a lot of work, therapy and education from host of professionals he is now mainstreamed in a 6th grade classroom and thriving (A & B grades). He is still autisic but at least we can see a future for him. More awareness and understanding for the public and acceptance is key. Also, I believe, parents need to stop worrying about the stigma of a lable and focus on what the child needs. Thank you for bringing this out!! Dawn
tanya baker says:
wow, this post came at perfect timing for me. my son was diagnosed yesterday with autism. it has been hard, but i have had known for awhile now that he was. the doctor gave us books and tons on webistes to go to and its so helpful. we are finding out that we will need hours(like a full time job) worth of therapies. we live near phoenix which happens to have an awesome autism center so i feel blessed for that. thank you to everyone thaat supports this great cause.
Tricia says:
Thanks so much for calling attention to autism. I am the mom of a 3yr old who is in the process of diagnosis. Some days are pretty rough. Today was a speclai education committee meeting to plan out summer and next school year. Days like this are tough. I am so thankful for your calling attention to this. Often they look normal and can even act normal at times. And then other times, people stare at you in the store and make mean comments when your child is doing something abnormal. I have never seen such rudeness as i have these past three years. The more people who take time to enlighten themselves and others, the better it will be for the children affected by such disorders.
Bridgette says:
Thanks for the great post! My son has Aspergers. It’s hard on us, but especially on him in social situations at school.
Tara says:
Thanks Collin for posting on Autism. I have a beautiful, talented, happy 5 year old daughter on the spectrum. I celebrate who she is and help her learn and grow everyday. She is my quirky and loving little girl. We need as much attention on autism as we can get right now to help everyone understand our children. My savings help me pay for the therapies out-of-pocket for her to continue to grow and thrive since insurance won’t cover any therapy.
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Dolly says:
Hola,
Come On
Gracias
Dolly