World Autism Awareness Day

This is a day to celebrate differences, celebrate our courage in facing obstacles, and to celebrate each other.
To anyone and everyone who refrains from passing judgement, who teaches their children the beautiful value of acceptance, who see the world in a myriad of colours, and like it that way, thank you.
To all the teachers who truly love children, who work hard to make schools user-friendly, respectful environments, thank you.
To extended families and friends who are loving and welcoming, who give warnings before turning on their vacuum cleaners, who don't get insulted if we can't make it, but continue to invite, or keep a stock of straws in their cupboards, thank you.
To all the siblings who become little ambassadors, who learn to speak up from an early age, to protect, to defend,who learn tht life isn't always fair, and have to sacrifice more than they should, and who often grow up to be the world's most caring, loving individuals, thank you.
And to all the moms and dads who speak for their children, who work to improve or extend services, who make places for their children in this world, who get up and go each day, even on the hard ones, you work not just for your children, but for mine too.  So, thank you.