Right across America and indeed around the world on April 2, awareness of Autism is shining bright blue. While in America and in most parts of the world they are lighting up homes, parks, monuments and buildings in a ray of blue to bring the message home that there is a need for more awareness of this growing health problem. Here in New Zealand and indeed in some other parts they are having their own awareness programs, and colour themes. See here .. http://www.autismnz.org.nz/
I have been made more aware of autism myself since joining a writers hub, where a fellow writer Patricia Tilton, is focusing much of her writing genres, such as Disabilities, Grief, Mental Health, Aspergers, Autism, and many other health issues. Her blog aptly called “Children’s Books Heal“, is full of interesting reviews of books for children and adults on many of these topics. One can find a ray of resources, information, author interviews, and communities to help understand, and encourage those from the very young to be better informed about such issues that are now so prominent in our everyday lives. Visit her blog today, it is lit up Blue for April 2 – Autism Awareness Day.
When looking through the internet I came across a very interesting article of a New Zealand Mum, Louise Inglis who has recently written a book “Happiness in His Eyes” due out on the shelves today, on the first 7 years of bringing up her youngest son Kevin, who has Autism. This is a trailer about the book… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogOHmimmEsA . It is sure to open your eyes to living with someone affected with Autism, a personal story, written with a mothers love for her son, sharing the joys and successes along with the disruptive side and the effect it has on other members of the family. Look for it in your store, coming soon.
Here’s another blog post on the subject… http://thescrapbookhouse.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/light-it-up-blue/
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Lovely post for World Autism Day. Thank you so much for bringing this book to my attention. I hope it is available in the US soon.
So many touching quotes: “Although the book is complete, the real journey is still ahead of us.”
“This is not a book about a cure, although I wish it was.”
I’d love to meet this mum and give her a hug!
Thankyou Cathy. I hope it will be available for you soon. It has such a moving message.
Thanks Diane. If you don’t already know this one it is fantastic: Born on a Blue Day, by Daniel Tammet.
Thankyou Julie for informing me about the book. Have checked out the website, very interesting. Will definiately look for this book.
I turned my blog blue for today 🙂 I read about it on Ms. Tilton’s site too! I am going to check out “Happiness in His Eyes” -Thanks!
I checked out your blog…. looks very cool. It might take awhile for this book to appear in the US but by all means check online for it. You may need your Mum to check this one out.
I LOVE the video, Diane! I hope “Happiness in His Eyes” makes it across the seas to us! Cool that you celebrated World Autism Day on your blog.
Thankyou very much Joanna, I am glad you enjoyed the video. Yes I am looking forward to reading this story, to.
Diane, I left a comment here yesterday and it isn’t here. I don’t know what happened. Because I loved the video and “Happiness in His Eyes.” I was so happy to see you do something on autism day and had asked you what the numbers were in NZ. Must have been a glitch! And, thank you again for mentioning my post and me as your friend! 🙂
No Worries Pat. I did wonder why I hadn’t heard from you…. you didn’t appear anywhere here. I am pleased you liked the video I checked up and found it is thought about 40,000 New Zealanders. That was a shock to hear. Didn’t realise it was that high.
You are very welcome Pat, anytime… 🙂