Autism Walk Northland
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When you look at me, what do you see?
On the outside, it sometimes appears that I'm "out of control". I have "anger management issues" or "developmental disabilities", or any number of labels that are often used to describe me. Rather than ask, most people just assume that I'm a bad kid or a dangerous adult. They stop and stare, they whisper behind my back or laugh at me, and more often than not, they make no effort at all to try to understand who I am.
I am your brother, your aunt, your neighbor, your cousin. I am your schoolmate, your co-worker, your teller, your cashier. I feel pain, I feel loneliness, I feel sadness, I feel fear. I could be one of the most loyal, dedicated friends you've ever had the honor of knowing, if you'd just give me the chance. My honesty is often brutal, because I don't know how to lie. I say exactly what is on my mind, because I don't know how to put a polite spin on what I am thinking. I am an expert on some topics, sometimes to the point of obsession. I practice introducing myself to people, because I'm just like everyone else when it comes to wanting friends.
I have autism. It might make me different, but it doesn't make me bad. There are many others like me, and all we want is a chance. Just like you, we want to participate in school and work functions. Just like you, we want to be accepted for who we are. Most of all, we want to belong...just like you.
On the outside, it sometimes appears that I'm "out of control". I have "anger management issues" or "developmental disabilities", or any number of labels that are often used to describe me. Rather than ask, most people just assume that I'm a bad kid or a dangerous adult. They stop and stare, they whisper behind my back or laugh at me, and more often than not, they make no effort at all to try to understand who I am.
I am your brother, your aunt, your neighbor, your cousin. I am your schoolmate, your co-worker, your teller, your cashier. I feel pain, I feel loneliness, I feel sadness, I feel fear. I could be one of the most loyal, dedicated friends you've ever had the honor of knowing, if you'd just give me the chance. My honesty is often brutal, because I don't know how to lie. I say exactly what is on my mind, because I don't know how to put a polite spin on what I am thinking. I am an expert on some topics, sometimes to the point of obsession. I practice introducing myself to people, because I'm just like everyone else when it comes to wanting friends.
I have autism. It might make me different, but it doesn't make me bad. There are many others like me, and all we want is a chance. Just like you, we want to participate in school and work functions. Just like you, we want to be accepted for who we are. Most of all, we want to belong...just like you.
Did you know...
When you donate to AutismWalkNorthland, either by becoming a sponsor or by donating funds directly, EVERY dollar goes to local schools and their ASD programs?
Did you know...
The funds are used to support programs that enrich the lives of local children with Autism, Asperger's and other related conditions?
Did you know...
By donating your time or funds, you're helping children in your own community who might otherwise not get the additional support they need?
Did you know...
Every little bit helps. You can find out more by looking around the site, and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to email us. One of us will follow up with you as quickly as possible.
When you donate to AutismWalkNorthland, either by becoming a sponsor or by donating funds directly, EVERY dollar goes to local schools and their ASD programs?
Did you know...
The funds are used to support programs that enrich the lives of local children with Autism, Asperger's and other related conditions?
Did you know...
By donating your time or funds, you're helping children in your own community who might otherwise not get the additional support they need?
Did you know...
Every little bit helps. You can find out more by looking around the site, and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to email us. One of us will follow up with you as quickly as possible.
Wow, what an amazing day!!! We want to thank ALL of you who participated, donated or volunteered for the walk. The 2011 walk was our most successful yet, and it wouldn't have happened without all of you! You are WONDERFUL, and thanks to you, local schools will receive funding for their ASD programs.
In the next month or so, we'll start updating the site with information on our activities and fundraisers for the coming year. If you would like more information on the walk, the founders, or any of our resources, please email us at info@autismwalknorthland.org
Photos from the 2011 Walk
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