Growing up, my parents always taught me that anyone with a disability was just another person, just like you and me. The older I get, the more I realize not everyone was raised that way. There seems to be a stigma when other people interact with those who are disabled, whether it is Autism or Down's Syndrome, or other disorders. So, here are a few reasons why Autism awareness is important.

1. They can change your life.

I recently was employed by a company that was a living facility for the mentally disabled. While I was there, I met a particular client who changed my entire outlook on life. He was so full of life and made me realize that, while life can be hard, there is always a hug or a smile that can make it better. If more members of society gave people with Autism a chance to become a part of their life they open up the opportunity to change their outlook of not only Autism, but life as a whole.

2. They love relentlessly.

Easily my favorite part of working with people who have Autism is that I constantly know that I am loved. Whether it’s the little things like a hug or even saying, “I love you,” people with Autism make sure you understand that you are loved and wanted. The next time you come in contact with someone with Autism you should really take the time to show him or her that they are loved.

3. They are incredibly intelligent.

Rumor has it Albert Einstein had Asperger’s syndrome. For those of you who do not know what Asperger’s syndrome is, it’s a mild form of Autism. But regardless of what people think just because somebody has a disability that does not make him or her any less intelligent than anyone else. They are still people and we all have our different interests and specialties.

4. They are someone’s family.

Whether it is their brother, son, granddaughter, or spouse, they belong to someone. I had a friend growing up named McKenna whose little brother has Autism and I spoke to her recently about why she feels autism awareness is important.

“Growing up, I had obviously more opportunities than my brother did. I realized at a young age that society found more value in me than they did in my brother. As a sister of an intelligent, loving, and funny brother, I have never seen him as a lesser value than myself. I find myself constantly fighting for him, for his rights, for his equality, for him to have the opportunities I have. Society needs to see that Alex is just as valuable as you and me, and that's why autism awareness is important to me” (McKenna Stankiewicz).

So, the next time you do not know how to interact with someone with Autism take the time to educate yourself there are several websites out there that provide information. The websites below give more information:

http://Autismspeaks.org

http://www.autism-society.org