As many of you know Autism is very complex and confusing diagnoses for any family. And, it totally changes everything about your life from major of where to live to minor things like when to go grocery shopping.
That is right, for those of us that have children with autism – everything has to be routine and even seasonal changes at the store, time of day or how crowded it is affects our kids.
But we all learn to make lemonade and try not to look for strawberry juice from lemons – as the saying goes.
As a result of so many changes in how our kids learn, when they get diagnosed, who diagnoses them school vs medical, what services they get or not all depend on where you live, your income, how persistent you are and your race. That is right – your race. Black and Latino kids get the short end of every stick from late diagnoses to less services.
Then comes the question – why is that and who the heck represent you because services, education and resources policies come from policy makers who are usually the elected officials that we elected into office and into power.
I recently saw this email from Autism Action Network which is a national autism grassroots movement that usually fights and advocates for alternative medicine and believes autism is caused by environmental factors.
They said something that caught my eye and below is that email.
Who are your elected representatives? Find out fast now.
Everything about autism is political, get engaged
Everything about autism is deeply affected by politics; how it is defined, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated or not, what causes it, special education resources, health insurance, adult services… everything.
For our children’s sake we need to engaged in the political process. If we don’t look out for them who will? And to engage in politics you need to know who represents you. At some point they need your vote. And the votes of your friends and neighbors too. Here is a quick way to find out who they are and how to get in contact with your representatives in your state capital and Washington, D.C.
Just click on the link below and fill in the short form. That’s it.
This is so true and we all need to know who represents us and how or what they are doing about Autism because if not us then who?
I urge any parent, relative, friend, etc to support children and adults with autism across the spectrum with more targeted services, resources and research by contacting their elected officials and keep contacting them persistently and consistently.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate