April 2nd is Autism Awareness day. But why do we need awareness? Because 1 in every 68 US children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as per the latest statistics released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. That is a 33% rate increase from the previous released numbers, and as shown on the graph below, it seems that it will only get higher and higher.
Our son Diego is a 9 year old boy with moderate to severe autism, sensory integration disorder, and is non-verbal. But he is not “autistic”; he is kind, sweet, loving, a great brother and an amazing son, who happens to have an autism disorder.
He started spelling messages a few months ago, thanks to the RPM method (Soma/Halo) and his excellent RPM therapist. He’s favorite words are Nice and Happy, because that’s what he is, a happy and nice boy who touches the lives of everyone he connects with. We have also started practicing letters, words, and picture association with the computer keyboard, and he is doing great. We are truly blessed to have him, since he has helped us understand what truly matters in life.
In honor of World Autism Awareness day, we share his poem which he spelled a few days ago:
Title: My Magic Family
“Happy I am Diego
Happy I call my great family magic
Happy happy happy
Happy my Mom can hear me now
Happy my Dad adores me
Happy Sofia laughs with me
Happy great family plays with me
Magic family loves me
Happy happy happy
Happy I get magic family”
Living In The Puzzle 