Every day is World Autism Awareness Day at my son's school

Angie Simpson is the mother of two incredible boys, a determined autism advocate, and an incredible Autism Speaks supporter. Donate to the Simpson family's Autism Speaks Walk team here.

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day but at my son's school, it's every day. One of the most important relationships I have is with my son’s school.

Hunter is 14 and in 8th grade and I know he will be a productive member of society and I owe a huge part of that to his school and teachers. They have been so supportive of Hunter and our family. Any time he had issues and needed his accommodations adjusted all it took was a phone call or email and they were updated.

My relationship with the school goes both ways and has been extremely beneficial to Hunter through the years. I trust the school, which is why when they brought their concerns about Hunter to me I didn't second-guess them. Good thing I didn't because what they observed proved to be accurate and Hunter received an autism diagnosis. Because of them Hunter was able to get early intervention with therapy.

On occasions teachers have asked me to come and speak to the students about autism because one or more of their classmates was on the spectrum.

I have spoken to all the teachers a few times about autism, our family’s experiences and ways to help their students on the spectrum.

Hunter feels safe and free to be himself and because of that he has thrived. His classmates are great with him and he has a few close friendships that he has maintained for years.

As the school and I plan our World Autism Month activities in April it reminds me of how wonderful they are and how lucky our family is. I encourage you to work together with your child's school, it's one of the most important relationships that will benefit your child. 

Download the free Autism Speaks tool kit with great ideas on how your school can get involved in Light It Up Blue and join the Light It Up Blue campaign here.