Without question, autism has become one of the fastest growing epidemics in the United States today. Insurance companies and our government have yet to fully support this disease, forcing families to be ill equipped in providing the much needed therapy for their children. It is critical that we raise awareness and find a way to inform the uniformed and establish change.We owe it to our children! We owe them our support; we owe them our willingness to break down barriers halting their progress. The cause may be unknown, but the mission stands before us... educate, react, make a difference!
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.
Meet Doreen, a devoted mother of two, including seven year old son, Aiden, who was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. Doreen shares her experiences, beginning when Aiden was born, to where he is today, and everything in between. From the countless struggles with insurance companies, to the emotional ups and downs, Doreen’s candidness brings autism to life as she relives how this disease has played a pivotal role in her family’s world.
FiveHumans™ has chosen to support Autism Speaks®, which is now the nation's leading non-profit organization devoted to autism. The goal of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. They are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. They are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals, and we intend for FiveHumans and our friends to be a big part of this effort. To find out more about Autism Speaks and the amazing work they do, go to www.autismspeaks.org.
