Because we have homeschooled for so many years, we have had the privilege of getting to know, not just other homeschooled kids, but entire families who choose to homeschool their kids. Everyone, of course, has their varied and complex reason why they've opted to educate their kids at home. I've made some of my most precious friendships through homeschooling.
This is one of the loveliest and best kept secrets of home education. We get to share life and friendship with entire families that share our same values for education. In the context of making these family relationships, we have encountered quite a few that have been touched by autism.
Even this semester, Jonathan has a few friends who land somewhere on the autistic range. One of his friends, who is a bit awkward socially is an amazing and prolific musician. Another is quite a hilarious player on Jon's improv team. Happily, these kids find a safe place within the homeschool environment. I love how our community of homeschoolers come together as families and the kids with autism are included.
About Autism (from the Autism Speaks website):
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 1000 percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.
When the folks at IMUSA asked me about hosting a giveaway to raise Autism awareness, I was happy to participate. April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and the entire month of April is dedicated to raising Autism awareness with its Light It Up Blue campaign.
IMUSA USA and Autism Speaks have graciously partnered with My big, fat, Cuban family to bring you today's giveaway. In step with "lighting it up blue," I'm pleased to introduce the Autism Speaks Blue Sauté Pan from IMUSA USA.
1) To enter this drawing for the Blue Autism Speaks Sauté Pan, please leave a comment on this post and answer one or both of the following questions:
- Have you been touched by autism? Tell me.
- What fabulous thing would you cook in this beautiful blue sauté pan?
Please leave your comment on this post and I'll choose a winner on Saturday, April 21st, 2011 at 8pm PST.
