April is Autism Awareness Month, and April 2 is Autism Awareness Day. Many unique fundraisers and events take place during this month with a goal to raise awareness and offer support to the autism community. While our Crawl Walk population is very diverse, autism is prevalent across all disciplines here at the clinic. Each of these disciplines work together to improve the quality of life for those on the spectrum through physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Another way we work to positively impact the autism community is through awareness. So, we wanted to share a personal story written by a man, Lamar, with autism. Through his story, he shares four ways that we can continue to spread awareness throughout April and beyond.
Lamar Hardwick is a church pastor who was diagnosed with autism when he was 36 years old. Up until December of 2014, he shared how April 1 was April Fools’ Day and any date beyond that within April had no significance to him. Now there is more widespread awareness for autism throughout April, but as he shares, often when April is over, the awareness, inspiration and acceptance of autism goes with it.
As a church pastor, Lamar says he is constantly preaching for people to “learn how to focus less on what you want to over-come, and instead spend time focusing on who we want to be-come.”
1. Become More Aware
Lamar states that prior to his diagnosis he had very little education about autism, and I imagine this is likely true for most people who are not directly involved with individuals on the spectrum. Lamar is looking to challenge awareness beyond simply being aware of its existence.
“Educate yourself about autism by asking questions from the people who are really living with autism. Autism awareness should be about expanding people’s exposure to the life of autistic people. – Lamar Hardwick
The first step is to aspire to become more aware! Please never hesitate to discuss autism awareness or the ways in which the field of rehabilitation can impact those with autism with your therapists at Crawl Walk.
2. Become More Accepting
As a pastor, Lamar also utilizes his impact of the community to encourage acceptance.
“Neurodiversity is a concept where neurological differences should be recognized and respected as any other human variation,” Lamar stated.
This concept hits home with us here at Crawl Walk because of the diversity of our patients. We strive for our patients and their families to feel welcome and accepted upon entering our clinic, no matter what brings them through our doors. We strongly believe neurodiversity is something to be celebrated!
3. Become An Advocate
Lamar states, “Nothing communicates my ability to inspire you more than the creation of another voice that commits to becoming a champion for the cause for which I myself am committed. Real inspiration happens when you move from merely being an admirer to being an advocate.”
4. Become More Active
Lamar encourages people to look into organizations in their local areas to find ways to become more active in overall autism awareness.
“Three ways to actively engage in the issues facing the autism community are policies, programs, and platforms,” said Lamar.
If you are interested in more of what Lamar has written, please took into his work entitled “In Our Own Words: Living on the Spectrum.”
Happy Autism Awareness Month everyone!
Kendell Myers, DPT
Physical Therapist
