World Autism Awareness Day

• Autism Statistics 
• Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• Autism is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
• Autism is nearly 5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189).
• Studies in Asia, Europe, and North America have identified individuals with Autism with an average prevalence of about 1%. A study in South Korea reported a prevalence of 2.6%
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by:
• Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts;
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities;
• Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (typically recognized in the first two years of life); and
• Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
• ASD can range in impact from mild to significantly disabling.

I created this layout for the October Afternoon Blog today. 

The layout started with that heart cut YIKES! I then got the layout done on plain paper but it was missing something so I decided to print "His Story" for the background and cover it in vellum. The wonky view is because the vellum is over the chipboard arrows too. I wanted to keep the focus on the heart with all that's going on I hope y'all like the layout. Me I'm second guessing myself. 

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day! 

After 4 years...

After having this blog private for the past 4 years I've decided to make it public again and what better day than today April 1st the 1st day of Autism Awareness month. I'm going to do a bit of a different format to the posts this time. I'm thinking some letters to Mav, Autism info for you, daily happenings in Mav's world,of course there will be photos, and all things Mav. A lot has changed in the last 4 years but we'll slowly working into all that. Let's get started. Today is a letter day.

 Dear Mav,

 There are not enough words in the languages of the world to express how much I love you, how you've changed our lives, or how grateful I am for you. You amaze me, drive me crazy, love me unconditionally(most of the time), you make me smile and laugh, worry and cry.

 Last night spending 2 hours "washing dishes" with you brought me so much happiness. Thank you for sitting there jabbering, splashing, and just being. Some may think I'm crazy to thank you for a moment like that but those little moments are awesome because lately they have been few and far between.You'd rather have your space and do your thing which makes you happy and I'm ok with that because I'd rather you be happy upset or melting down. It was wonderful to see you smiling and having a grand ol time with something as simple and boring as washing dishes with mom. I have to admit I did take my time scrubbing those knifes and forks just so I could look over at you and be in the moment watching you. I miss so much of the time when you needed me, you were always momma's and always will be but as you grow older and independent things have changed and I'm glad on one hand but still wish it was me and that little Mav hugging the turtle and not letting me go. I promise to always be there ready for the hug or with a hand to wipe your tears whenever you need me.

 Thanks for making me smile and telling me "have good day" this morning as you skipped off to the bus! I love you, Dude!

 xo Momma