World Autism Awareness Day ❤️💚💙💛

Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Autism impacts the nervous system. Children with ASD may suffer from epilepsy, pica, disrupted sleep, sleepiness, OCD, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues and more. Autism affects every child differently.

Our daughter Brenna was recently diagnosed with Autism. Brenna is challenged with disruptive sleep, slight OCD, repetitive behavior, social interaction and communication. Brenna has staring spells, she is a toe walker and is nonverbal. She has unexplained changes in ability and emotions. She is extremely sensitive to touch, light and certain sounds. Whilst she has those challenges, she’s just like any other child.

🧩 Brenna loves to play and loves nature

💙Brenna is happy and loving and loves her siblings

❤️Brenna loves to eat chicken nuggets, french fries and snacks. She is daring and wild and not afraid of heights. She reads people’s vibes and her dad is her best friend.

💛Brenna loves to watch Boss Baby and Motown Magic on @netflix

🧩Brenna loves music especially, from @Motownrecords greats like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye. She just started Special Needs Preschool and seeing multiple therapist. She is constantly hitting milestones and we are so proud. She previously regressed using the potty and eating with utensils and has started feeding herself again.

🧩Today is Autism Awareness day but we are trying to change that narrative in our community. Let’s make it Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Understanding Day! Not just today but every day.

🧩Awareness means you know that something is there, Acceptance means that you want it there. We want that for Brenna and for every one on the autism spectrum.

🧩We won’t engage with the color or symbol (puzzle piece or infinity symbol) controversy but whatever color you choose today, 💡 light it up for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder! #lightitup #autismspeaks #blue #autism #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #wehaveautism #motownrecords #lightitupblue #netflix