Be kind!!

The 13th annual World Autism Day, hosted by Autism Speaks, will take place tomorrow, Thursday April 2. As part of this year’s focus, Autism Speaks are encouraging people everywhere to take the #KindnessChallenge.  And right now, this message seems more relevant than ever.

 

Help others when you can

As the world faces an unprecedented challenge, it is vital that we all work together, to stop the spread of COVID-19. That means resisting the urge to bulk buy in the supermarket. If we all remain calm and buy what we need, no one will go without. Keep an eye on friends and neighbors, particularly if they are elderly or vulnerable. Keep your distance, you may not be a high-risk individual but if you pass the virus on to someone who is, you are putting them at risk.

 

Spread the word

So let’s make 2020 the ‘Year of Kindness!’ Spread the word with a video or post. Share a kind message with your friends and family on social media. There is no wrong way to be kind, so its up to you to show kindness any way you like. For more info on the #KindnessChallenge check out the Autism Speaks website here.

 

Further resources

If you are the parent or grandparent of a child with Autism, Autism Parenting Magazine is a fantastic source of information. With the most up to date news and guidance on a whole range of subjects surrounding Autism. For example, the concept of Social Stories, developed by child pediatrician Carol Gray, helps children with Autism understand social norms and how to communicate with others.

 

And if you’d like to read more about how exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of developing Autism click here.