World Autism Awareness Day

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I pray you and yours are doing well. I am doing awesome, thanks be to God! Today, April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

The summer before my junior year in high school, I was granted the opportunity to volunteer at a children's summer program called Camp Littlefoot. This Camp catered to the welfare and education of children with autism. Certain hours of community were required in order to graduate at my high school, and I decided to volunteer at this program because I knew it would fulfill most of my hours. Before becoming a part of this program, I did not know anything about autism and I was curious to learn more about it. In the program, I was given the task of being a counselor/teacher's assistant. I gave lessons to the children, who ranged from ages 7-12, assisted them in their assignments, and catered to many of their needs. In my blessed life on earth, I have done many things that I am very proud of but being in the presence, sharing and receiving knowledge from these children, is definitely one of my top achievements. I remember a time when I taught one of the students how to ride a bicycle, she struggled a lot with it in the beginning, but in the end she was successful. The smile she had on her face when she rode that bike around the school yard gave me hope and hearing her yell my name with gratitude and saying "look, I'm riding a bike!" made me feel so amazing in and out. I was very proud of her and her persistence in learning, even though she felt discouraged a few times when I gave her lessons.

What I really want people to know is that people with autism are just as amazing as someone living without autism; they as well are precious and honored in God's sight. According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior." However, do not let the differences in people with autism make you treat them differently. There were certain times I had difficulty communicating with the children and interacting with them, but in the end, I was successful in reaching out to them with patience, understanding and perseverance.

I am glad I became part of the autism community and I will continue to raise awareness on it, no matter how much or less I can. Each and every one of these children made me a positive impact in my life, and I promised myself to return that favor to them. The children taught me (without even knowing) that I should always be myself and never let words or differences hinder my achievement; in addition, I learned to be more patient, understanding and caring regardless of what the circumstance may be.

Make the effort to know more about autism. According to statistics, autism affects 1 in 110 children; unfortunately, some family members are unaware of it, and do not understand the reason behind why their child is unique. Get involved in events and programs that work towards the development and enrichment of people in the autism community; events such as Autism Speaks' Walk Now. I know that support is something that a lot of families with a person with autism need, so I highly encourage people that have family members like that to create social units, because it enhances their knowledge and behaviors because they will share experiences and knowledge with each other.

I really hope that everyone in this world would be like that girl I spoke about earlier and never give up on a goal, no matter how challenging it may be. Join me in an amazing journey and become an advocate for autism. Light up the world blue for autism awareness today and throughout the month of April, which is Autism Awareness Month! Together we can solve the puzzle. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17.

God bless you.

Jesus loves you.

Restored woman living for God's Glory,
Ruby B. Johnson.

Have you gotten right with the Lord? Have you given your heart to God? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal savior? If you die today, will you make it to Heaven? If no or you are unsure, do not waste anymore time and receive salvation now.