It is undeniable that diagnoses along the Autism Spectrum are increasing. Reasons for this increase are being researched and questioned. One thing is for sure, though, any resource available to people with Autism and their families and teachers are greatly appreciated.

Google offers free software called SketchUp that was originally designed to be easier to use than other 3D CAD programs. It allows users to be 3D models of anything from houses to furniture to models of neighborhoods or cities to redecorated living rooms.

After receiving numerous emails, the developers at Google realized that had something more than an easy-to-use 3D program. They had a unique tool to give a creative and constructive voice to those with Autism. So in November 2007, they announced the launch of Project Spectrum .

On the site, they have a great video showing how Project Spectrum has enabled children with Autism to express their creative voice. There is information and resources for children and educators.

Imagine that you have a child or brother or sister who can express basic needs or wants, or even tell you that they love you. Or imagine you are a teacher who has a student that sits in the corner repeating the same sounds over and over again. Very rarely do either of these children communicate or interact with their peers. They seemed locked in their own world without taking any interest in connecting with another person. For many millions of people this is their reality.

April 2 was designated as World Autism Awareness Day on December 18, 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the disease that prevents children and adults from connecting with the world around them and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention for them.

Autism has been steadily gaining press coverage and awareness in society. It not only affects people and their families, but society as a whole. With research, prevention, and intervention, one day people with Autism will be able to fully enjoy the world around them and be contributing members of society.

Below are some facts about the disease from Autism Speaks :

• Approximately 67 million people worldwide are affected by Autism.
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world.
• 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism.
• More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, and AIDS combined.
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have Autism.
•  There is currently not medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes.
• Autism costs the US over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade.
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.

There are many things that can be done to help raise awareness of this disease, including:

• Being informed
• Supporting both local and national organizations
• Participating in fund raising events such as 5k run/walks
• Advocating for these people and their families.

Let's give these people a chance to enjoy the life they deserve.

This quote was at the top of my gmail page today when I checked my email. It gives simple but very good advice.

"When you blame others, you give up your power to change"

Robert Anthony

The Richmond Times-Dispatch had an article in today's paper about one of the programs where I work. The article and the program speak for themselves.

Read the article

The recent presidential election and Obama’s inauguration will go down in the history books for numerous reasons. It touched so many people in so many different ways. Personally, I was able to see how it empowered and transformed children where I work and children where I tutor. As predominately inner city children, they were able to find inspiration and a voice in Obama and his message. These children are now engaged in their communities and are invested in their future. I don’t know what the next 4, 8, 20 years hold for our country and our world. I believe a key ensuring that but a key to it is having all of our children invested in the future. So far from the inner city kids have talked to, this president has been able to do just that.

On January 15, 2009, I had the privilege of attending a rally at the Virginia General Assembly with several of my co-workers. This rally was in support of HB 1588 which would require health insurance companies to cover prescribed, proven treatments for autism up to $36,000 per year. I support this bill and the children it will help.

One in 150 Virginians are diagnosed with the disorder today. Autism is a part of a group of disorders which collectively are known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Symptoms can range from mild to very severe. This disease can prevent children from fitting into the constraints of society and reaching their full potential. Parents of children with autism can feel hopeless, stressed, and frustrated.

There is hope for these children and their parents. The US Surgeon General has stated that early treatment can help children with autism.

As the surgeon general notes, with early intervention, a sizable minority of children
diagnosed with autism are able to achieve normal social and intellectual
functioning. These children can be mainstreamed into regular classrooms and may
be indistinguishable from peers. Even children who make less dramatic progress
benefit from early intervention, showing gains in language, fewer inappropriate
behaviors and less overall costs to taxpayers.

Autism treatments are costly though. A year of treatment for a child with autism can easily cost a family over $50,000. Insurance companies in Virginia are not required to cover these expenses, so they do not. This is where HB 1588 strives to fill the gap for these families. This bill would allow families to afford quality care and treatment services for their children to become functioning, contributing members of our society.

There is the argument that many private business cannot afford this health care coverage during these tough economic times. Spending a few dollars right now to help these children with early intervention services could save taxpayers millions per child as they become adults. As stated in an article in the Washington Post:

There are also financial benefits. Spending on early therapy has been proved to lower
long-term costs. Insel said the lifetime cost of treatment and care for an
autistic person is estimated at $3 million.

If HB 1588 passes, Virginia will become the 28th state to require health insurance companies to cover Autism treatment. I hope that it passes for the sake of the children of Virginia who deserve a chance to succeed.

After watching the documentary The End of Suburbia, I have been thinking about the difference between living in a suburban subdivision and a city neighborhood. While living in a large house in the suburbs with a big backyard outside the hustle and bustle of the city may appeal to some, it just doesn't quite cut for me. Something is missing. What is it?

I grew up in a neighborhood just south of the river in the city. My family and I were able to walk to the library, the movie theatre, the five and dime store, the ice cream shop, numerous restaurants, parks and playgrounds. I could see the fireworks from Dogwood Dell from the fort in my backyard. We knew all the neighbors. We would ride our bikes up and down the sidewalks which would be covered in chalk drawings. Unfortunately, the city's schools aren't the best. After elementary school, most of my friends either went to private schools or moved to the counties. My family falls into the later category.

Life in the suburbs offered different experiences. There were trips out to Short Pump, which was mostly farmland at the time, to go ice skating and to the movies.The school system offered a very well rounded education and unique opportunities. It was a safe place to raise a family. Anything and everything you could ever want was within a five mile drive.

Now that I live back in the city, I can see what is missing in suburbia. By living in an area where mostly everything is within walking distance, I am able to truly experience my surroundings. Walking puts me a the same level as the street, the store fronts, the beautiful flower gardens and my neighbors. I am able to interact with my environment and fully enjoy it. Neighbors are able to develop a true sense of a community and take a vested interest in their neighborhood.

Today a trip to the grocery store to pick up milk becomes a relaxing walk instead of a frustrating 20 minute drive in rush hour traffic. And right now I wouldn't pass that up for anything.