Like all parents with a diagnosed child, you hope for higher tolerance, acceptance and awareness. Since my son's diagnosis 3.5 years ago, I have searched and contributed in methods to keep fighting the crusade and getting others involved in this lifelong disorder. I have stopped relying on an autism event or media coverage to help spread autism awareness and acceptance. I was frustrated with home magazines that dropped a small article about autism on page 60 behind such important headings as exterior decor and embossed mouldings. Or a C.A.N. Walk with little or no media coverage about the event. I would take that step and follow others that have pushed their passion into a crusade to be a voice for the voiceless.
My target to start this endeavor is the next generation. Children who will one day grow up better informed as an adult, but more important, greater awareness as a parent. Autism has been around for over 50 years and it may take 50 more years to find the cause. Until organizations such as C.A.N. and the M.I.N.D. Institute find the hidden triggers, my hope to educate and enlighten the young minds outside the circle of autism will be more sensitive and accepting of those who are different.
First, start a website (www.XNism.com) that children between 5-11 years of age would be interested in. What would charge their curiosity and peak their interest? What would capture their imagination and increase their attention level? Children 5-11 years of age filled with wonder only added to one thing: BUGS. The bug world is one rare hobby that caters to a wide age group... from nymphs to adults... from toddlers to seniors. It spreads beyond ethnicity, geographic placement or economic status. The bug hobby is educational, informative and family oriented. My goal is the opportunity to influence three generations into participating in an autism event.
Next, push the hobby further by explaining this mysterious and complicated disorder. We are proud to present a wonderful way to explain WHAT IS AUTISM? A booklet titled "The Bug Story" illustrates in a very simple and colorful way to explain this disorder. Booklet comes with a CD that shows how it affects those with autism. In a fun and eye-opening description for all to view and share. This is a great tool to alert and educate your friends, neighbors, classmates, work associates & relatives which shows everyone what it would be like to have autism. Log on to
http://www.XNism.com/bugs.html to get a small preview of "The Bug Story."
The booklet is accompanied by a CD animation of "The Bug Story" plus extras to enjoy. Cost is only $15.00 and the promotion includes with shipping and handling. You can see more details by logging on to
http://www.XNism.com/trade/promo4.html
1. "The Bug Story" with vibrant full color illustrations that describes what is autism. A great way to explain and alert others about this disorder. A 30-page, 4-color, 80# 10pt gloss booklet, size: 4.8 x 4.5
2. CD animation of "The Bug Story" contains silly sound effects plus extra creepy crawlies clips "Metamorphosis" and "A-day" that show what it would be like to have autism. Both Mac and Windows format. Also contains website of Extreme Enthusiasts, www.XNism.com, a link to promote the bug hobby and higher autism awareness (Requires Acrobat PDF Reader).
3. Trading Cards/Puzzle: 30 insect trading cards to collect and display. Back of the cards are puzzle pieces to put together and view a collage of bugs. Cards are 4-color, 2-sided on heavy 12pt stock with wonderful photography showcasing the creepy classics.
REVIEW(S):
"The Bug Story is very engaging, educational, and fun for young learners. It provides information about Insects and Arachnids as well as Autism."
Jeremy Belcher, M.Ed. Special Education
E-mail: Skullyman13@aol.com
North Bullitt High School
3200 East Hebron Lane, Shepherdsville, KY 40165
http://www.XNism.com/trade/promo4.html
