Every April we’ve done something to raise awareness for autism in Bryce’s school. In past years it’s been a little mention in the school newsletter outlining some basic facts about autism and how April is National Autism Awareness month. I loved that the school listened and it shined a little light on autism.

So it’s April again, and here we are in a new school. To be honest I was a little hesitant to bring up the idea of raising autism awareness at his new school because I’m not a big fan of labeling my son as a child who has autism. I’m aware, the people that matter are aware, the staff at the school are aware, and his friends are aware, so I felt that putting it out there just emphasizes it even more and I just didn’t want to bring him too much attention or be in that kind of spotlight. I hope that makes sense. Don’t get me wrong... I am my child’s biggest advocate, but sometimes I just want him to be a kid as much as he can be.

I put all of that doubt aside and carried on.

And with a new school came a new idea.

Ok, so how to raise autism awareness in Bryce’s school this year? A colouring contest! Students voluntarily colour our autism awareness ribbon printout, drop there name slip in a box, and have a chance to win 1 of 12 of our bubble blowers that we’re giving away! I came up with this idea crossing my fingers it would be approved by the principal. So thrilled when it was and she even went one step further saying she was going to get the teachers talking about autism with their students, and it would just be a dandy time.

I checked in today to see how the contest was going and all I can say is, “WOW!”

Insanely awesome, right? Just walking into the school and seeing all of this down the hallway next to the office, it was so emotionally overwhelming. They completely welcomed my idea with open arms and huge, huge, HUGE hearts! Absolutely love it! We love this school!

Please, please, PLEASE steal these ideas! Talk to your child’s principal to get something written up in the newsletter or a hand out. Have a colouring contest with fun little prizes. Get people talking. The more people are aware, the more they understand, the more accepting they will be. Autism awareness starts with you! (And don’t forget, it doesn’t have to be just in April...)

Want to have your own colouring contest? Feel free to click on the graphic below to save or print ‘Autism Awareness Ribbon Colouring Contest Printout’ for your own use. (png file)

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya