Autism Awareness Month

If you've been around a while or have followed the declan brand for a while, you know that my sweet boy, Declan, is part of the Autism Community. And to honor his journey and spread some awareness about what Autism is how you can be supportive of other diagnosed with Autism, I thought I'd share a little bit about it. 

April is a very important time for raising awareness about Autism and supporting those who are affected by it.

First, let's talk a bit about what autism is. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It's called a "spectrum" disorder because there is a wide range of symptoms and severity levels, and each person with Autism is unique. Some people with Autism may have difficulty with verbal communication and social interaction, while others may have very specific interests or repetitive behaviors.

One of the reasons why Autism Awareness Month is so important is because there are many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding autism. For example, some people may assume that everyone with autism is nonverbal or intellectually disabled, when in fact many people with autism have average or above-average intelligence. Others may think that people with autism are incapable of feeling empathy or making friends, when in reality they just may have difficulty with social cues and communication.

By raising awareness about autism, we can help dispel these myths and educate others about what it's really like to live with autism. We can also promote acceptance and understanding of people with autism, rather than fear or ignorance.

 So, what can you do to help raise awareness about autism during Autism Awareness Month?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Educate yourself: One of the best ways to support people with autism is to learn more about the disorder. There are many great resources available online, including the Autism Society of Los Angeles (whom can choose to support with each purchase) and Autism Speaks. You can also check out books or documentaries about autism to gain a deeper understanding of what it's like to live with the disorder.

2. Spread awareness: Share information about Autism on social media or with your friends and family. You could post a link to an informative article, share a personal story about someone you know with Autism, or even just share some facts about the disorder. The more people know about Autism, the better equipped they will be to support and understand those with the disorder.

3. Support organizations: There are many organizations that work to support people with autism and their families. During Autism Awareness Month, consider making a donation to a reputable organization like Autism Speaks or the Autism Society of Los Angeles. You could also volunteer your time or attend a fundraising event in your community.

4. Support individuals with Autism: One of the best ways to support people with autism is to simply be kind and understanding. If you know someone with autism, take the time to learn about their unique strengths and challenges. Be patient and understanding when communicating with them, and try to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable being themselves.

5. Purchase from declan la: Each sale has a portion of proceeds donated to a number of different charities that support those with Autism. You can choose which charity to support at the time of purchase and we've got items with super living and supportive messages for everyone that are sure to be a hit!

 Autism Awareness Month is an important time to raise awareness about autism and promote acceptance and understanding of people with the disorder. By educating ourselves, spreading awareness, supporting organizations, and supporting individuals with Autism, we can help create a more inclusive and understanding world for everyone.