What I Want More Than Awareness for my Autistic Sons

Do you know that World Autism Awareness Day is on April 2? On that day, you'll be asked to "Light It Up Blue" or "Color the World" to help raise awareness for autism.

How important is World Autism Awareness Day to me?

I booked my boys' birthday party on that day. I looked at my calendar and there wasn't a rainbow of appointments staring back at me on that day so it meant it was open. Then my girlfriend texted, "Oh, you're so awesome having their party on that day. I bet you're going to do something big."

I sat there for a second and had to really think about what is so special about that day. I actually had to ask! See, the thing is I didn't book my boys' birthday party on April 2 because I knew it was World Autism Awareness Day.

We raise awareness every day no matter where we go -- sometimes loudly! I talk about autism, write about autism, research autism. My van is covered in stickers to raise awareness and keep my boys safe for first responders just in case.

What I'm really looking for is acceptance and understanding. I want people to understand my boys.

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