Autism Awareness and Acceptance
The Infinity Symbol is a symbol for Autism and preferred by some people who have Autism over the puzzle piece.
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance month, I hope this post will allow you to learn about Autism or learn something new if you have previously learned about Autism.
People who have Autism struggle with socializing and have repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder. Some people can have Autism and other disabilities, but not all people who have Autism have other disabilities as well.
1 in 68 people in the United States are diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder. According to the most recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in March of 2014, 1 in 42 boys are diagnosed with Autism and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with Autism. Girls might be diagnosed with Autism less frequently than boys because they might not show the same symptoms as boys or they hide/mask their symptoms of Autism. As a result, girls might be diagnosed with Autism when they are older. Minorities are also not diagnosed with Autism as frequently and might not receive treatment if they need it.
Autism never goes away, but it can improve with time or certain therapies. However, many people forget about people that have Autism or other disabilities once they reach adulthood. Some people say that people with Autism “fall off the cliff†because less services are available once someone reaches adulthood or graduates from high school (in the United States at least).
The puzzle piece is commonly thought of as a symbol for Autism. Some people that have Autism don’t like the puzzle piece but prefer an infinity symbol.
People who have Autism want to be treated like anyone else, so please accept them for who they are. Additionally, people who have Autism are all different, so please don’t compare them to one another. Please don’t say “You look Autistic.” or “You don’t look Autistic.” to someone, because you can’t tell someone has Autism just by looking at them.
If you are interested in learning more about Autism, feel free to use these organizations (there are more organizations than the ones listed below and several of the organizations listed are not located in the United States) as a guide:
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Autism Canada
- Autism Society of America
- Autism Speaks
- Autism Women’s Network
- National Autistic Society
What did you know about Autism before reading this post or what did you learn from this post?
Do you know anyone who has Autism?
Do you have any questions about Autism that I might be able to answer?
1 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 8, 2018 @ 7:13 pm
hey everyone! i hope everyone is spring breaking or something fun 🙂
2 Patsie said,
April 8, 2018 @ 8:00 pm
Hello everyone, how are you?
3 Patsie said,
April 8, 2018 @ 8:05 pm
Moms, I have been busy working on homework, which can sometimes be fun. However, I am writing about a challenged book and that isn’t a very fun topic.
4 Patsie said,
April 8, 2018 @ 8:10 pm
I hope people like this post. I partially made it because we haven’t had a post about Autism for a few years.
5 Patsie said,
April 8, 2018 @ 8:15 pm
Moms, the picture of the zedonk from the last post is adorable. Did you change your Facebook name? I saw your post to Webkinz with your picture of the zedonk and your name on Facebook was different than I remembered. However, I haven’t been on Facebook lately.
6 Patsie said,
April 8, 2018 @ 8:20 pm
Has anyone heard from Zingyginger? I haven’t seen her post anywhere lately but I also haven’t been on Facebook recently.
7 Patsie said,
April 8, 2018 @ 8:25 pm
Tmt5, will you try to post a picture or screenshot of the ostrich in game once it is adopted? Please. Is it your ostrich or your daughter’s?
8 Patsie said,
April 8, 2018 @ 8:30 pm
Bye, I need to go work on my homework again.
I might be back later, though.
9 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 8, 2018 @ 9:18 pm
patsie – i did have to change my name since it was just momskinz, someone reported me for not using my “real name” 😡
10 Chococat663 said,
April 8, 2018 @ 9:19 pm
My boyfriend’s niece has autism and i worked as her caregiver for two and a half years. Working with her taught me a lot and i’d love to still be working with her, but her mom choose to blur the lines between her personal and professional life without thinking of how it would affect her daughter.
I have a week and one day left of class before the final and it doesn’t feel like it should be done that fast. I went to a different school last year and their semester went until mid may, so it feels weird for it to be over this fast. Definitely not complaining though.
Almost out of school for the summer but mother natures hasn’t seemed to catch up yet. We’ve had a dusting of snow twice this week, but it’s supposed to reach 60 next week. I’ll believe it when i see it.
11 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 8, 2018 @ 9:39 pm
Hey chococat!!! so good to “see” you!
We are pretty familiar with people on the autism spectrum, but Patsie – tell me more about why some people do not like the puzzle piece? I have a friend who is a big advocate that uses the puzzle piece and explained years ago how it represents something like how autism is one piece of the whole person, but I am curious about that part of the post? i love the infinity symbol in general, and i think it’s interesting to see it rainbow because i would have associated it with lgbtq+
12 Queen of Sheba said,
April 9, 2018 @ 1:47 am
We had snow flurries on Saturday. Crazy weather for April.
I have a friend that works in one of the organizations mentioned above. She also has an autistic son. I personally have come across many autistic children (neighbors, my kid’s friends, students, etc.) Another friend’s son is on the spectrum and he is presently in college. There are lots of challenges but so far it is going okay. But his mom does have concerns about his future. I think what was stated in this post is true about “falling off the cliff” in terms of less available services!
I should be in bed, but I’m up late with final prep for the classes I teach on Mondays.
Hoping that I don’t have nightmares about missing stair steps and bucket climbing!
13 gagagee said,
April 9, 2018 @ 7:47 am
Good Morning All !
Monday here again ! too fast !
moms… love the zedonks.. so cute.. would make a great Webkinz plushie…
How fun for you and the warthogs to experience feeding them !
One of the first purchases I made after getting my first “real” job… was my first horse ! Nothing like feeding him a carrot from my hand … slobbering … and thankfully never being kicked !! Still lived at home at the time.. had a few goats… chickens.. and a Sardinia donkey…. who was very good at kicking her humans !! so I guess I did not mind all of the germy animals BUT I still eat pizza with a fork and knife !!
Patsy.. your post was informative but I agree that I prefer the puzzle piece symbol for autism…
Queen of Sheeba… flurries here yesterday too ! still so cold .. forecast looks like 70 on Friday … Can’t wait !!
Hope you all have a good day !
14 Boper911 said,
April 9, 2018 @ 11:05 am
Thanks for the post, Patsie.
That zedonk/zonkey is a cool animal! Next fan-design webkinz pet?
15 gagagee said,
April 9, 2018 @ 6:41 pm
Hey All !
Boper.. Love your artistic interpretation of the zebra/donkey !! Really cute !
Can’t wait till Ganz’s next contest !
16 dee said,
April 9, 2018 @ 7:10 pm
peekin in
making tacos
made garlic guacamole earlier………yum yum yum
no vampires anywhere around here!
i hope all are well…….finally sunny and warmish today, so did a little yard maintenance and worked on the kittens training. He knows UP, DOWN and COME with hand signals now…………..such a smart kitty………just does it now and no longer have to give him treats for it……..can’t really ask for a whole lot more out of a cat……….he comes when i whistle which is handy at bedtime or if we are taking off somewhere………..skitty kitty just stays in the backyard since her surgery/incident……….but it is a very nice fenced in back yard
17 dee said,
April 9, 2018 @ 7:56 pm
where is the lurker??
and zingy?
anyone heard anything? i just worry when folks do not show, i totally get taking a break………but please announce in the future…….:)
18 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 9, 2018 @ 10:45 pm
hello! busy day for me – hope everyone is doing well!
19 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 9, 2018 @ 10:46 pm
boper – get some stripes on those ears! love that!!!
20 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 9, 2018 @ 11:02 pm
I let zingy know we miss her – no need to worry! ♥
21 TheLoopyLurker said,
April 9, 2018 @ 11:11 pm
I’m here, dee! I’m just in lurk mode at the moment. I’m working on this massive project at Webkinz Picture Guide…making a visual master list of everything ever released in WW and I’ve been working on it for two months and still have about a month to go, lol. I’m taking a break from it tomorrow, though, because I have to rest up for UPDATE WEDNESDAY!!!!!
Cheese, I nearly forgot to thank you for the continued food packages! Also, I think you sent me something by mistake. Did you mean to send me a purple fl0ral wardrobe from the new mystery bags? If not, let me know, and I’ll get it right back to you!
Boper, you need to get a job as a graphics designer and code monkey for Webkinz, because you run rings around the current staff!
I bet with you in charge, we wouldn’t have nearly as many episodes of “Please Wait”.
22 AmberRose361 (WWID: AmberRose361) said,
April 10, 2018 @ 12:48 am
Hi everyone! Great, informative post Patsie! I am somewhat familiar with Autism. I taught Pre-K for 10 years and occasionally had a child in my class on the Spectrum. And my nephew is severely Autistic. You are right. Every child is different…with different needs. I give my brother a lot of credit for the patience he has. My nephew is incredibly smart, but does not speak often and can not form relationships. He also still eats baby food at 6 years old. He hates the consistency of most foods so his parents struggle to get him the nutrition he needs. It is tough!
Moms, I love the Zedonk! I understand exactly how you felt while feeding them. We hand fed rhinos a few years ago. Their lower lips are like hands (with fingers!!!) that grabbed the food from our hands. Very strange… and neat at the same time.
Boper! I love your image! It definitely would be great to see you work for Ganz! 😉
Went to the Baseball game this evening and froze!!! The Indians won! Had a good time, but sooo ready for warmer weather. I saw that it is supposed to be 75 here on Friday! Can’t wait!
ME is doing well. Almost 10 lbs now. And she has grown an inch. Just got done reading her her first Dr. Seuss [inspired] book “Oh, Baby, The Places You’ll Go!” Her Great, Great Aunt gave it to her yesterday. She seemed to really like it!
Have a great week all! My new phone is replacing my words with nonsensical words and strange abbreviations as I type and it is driving me mad! It has also transformed the keys into a glide pad, and assumes what I want to say. Has got to be something in the settings that I need to adjust!
Good night!
23 AmberRose361 (WWID: AmberRose361) said,
April 10, 2018 @ 1:15 am
TLL- I attempted that task a few times over the years to no avail. There is no way I even came close to a complete list. Is this a personal project? Or a shared endeavor? I would love to see it!
24 gagagee said,
April 10, 2018 @ 5:30 am
Good Morning !
AmberRose.. Good to hear from you ! Happy to hear you and ME are doing well…Maybe this will be the Tribe’s year.. They sure do deserve it.. Has been a long time coming !! ?? 1954 ??
Looking forward to NBA playoffs..
Lurker.. nice to see you too ! Love visiting the Picture Gallery !! Didn’t realize that you were involved in creating that site !!
moms.. thanks for letting us know Zingy is OK !
Back to work for me today………………….I guess I am ready…Have gotten kind of lazy over the past week.. FitBit reports NINE miles less than the week before…Time to get moving !!! Spending to much time in WW..
Have a good day everyone !
25 TheLoopyLurker said,
April 10, 2018 @ 8:24 am
Morning Gymbonians!
I love the zedonk feeding story. Once while I was on vacation in Florida, I got to feed a giraffe, which was super cool, because the giraffe had a 10-inch long black tongue. On the same trip, we went to Sea World, and I got to feed a ray. Feeding the rays creeped my hubby out, because you have to put your hand underwater, and the rays swim up over your hand and sort of vacuum a shrimp up with a sucking/gurgling sound. I ended up feeding all the rest of the shrimp to the rays because he was too freaked out, lol.
Yay, ME update! I’m so glad you’re already reading to her, Amber. I read to my kids every night from the time they were a year old to the time they could pick up a book and read it by themselves, and it certainly proved to be effective. They’re all very eager readers who read way above grade level.
And I think you’ve got an iPhone and are coming up against the dreaded Autocorrect. There’s a website out there that has compiled some of the funniest Autocorrects I have ever seen! I have to enjoy this stuff vicariously because I don’t even own a cell phone, lol.
gaga – I’ve only been contributing to the Webkinz Picture Guide for just over a year. Most of the set-up was done by three other very awesome ladies. I’ve been creating my own sort-of picture guide for Webkinz for years (ever since I figured out how to see the spoilers by myself about four years ago), so it’s nice to have a place to share all the work I’ve done.
Here’s a link to the Visual Master List I’ve been working on, Amber. Keep in mind that it is a work in progress and many pages have not yet been created. I didn’t realize what a massive project I had undertaken until I was about three days in.
http://webkinzpictureguide.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Visual_Master_List
Clothing mystery bags are out on Monday the 16th. I’m bouncing off the walls in anticipation!
26 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 10, 2018 @ 9:29 am
TLL – GREAT to see you! the picture guide is definitely a gift to all of us – thank you for all of your time consuming work!
I fed stingrays many years ago – it really was like a vacuum! i think of it how in movies they have spaceships suck up a human off of Earth LOL it’s so silly, but hopefully you just got a funny mental image
amberrose – yay reading to them is so fun – that’s sweet mommy time & glad you made it to the ballgame. i never would have thought that rhinos would have those soft lips, too – that’s cool
27 Queen of Sheba said,
April 10, 2018 @ 9:52 pm
Wow! That is an amazing picture guide!
28 gagagee said,
April 11, 2018 @ 5:04 am
Good Morning All !
Happy Wednesday !
Read that maintenance day is next Wednesday …. but I guess we’ll see what today brings… Bought a couple of the webkinz bags… One of the prizes was
an ancient chariot… I have never seen one before… is it rare ???
Lurker.. looking forward to the clothing bags coming out next week also !
I think the new owlet is being released on Friday.. Really cute new pet !
Weather here is finally warming up… 50’s today with forecast for 70 by
Thursday !!
Hope you all have a great day !
29 gramma(BLG610; grammabon; grammao3) said,
April 11, 2018 @ 6:55 am
g’morning!
guess they decided to do updates today, ww is down. :-/
wishing all a fantastic day! ♥
30 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 10:59 am
Morning Gymbonians, and HAPPY UPDATE WEDNESDAY!!!
First up is PETS! Top row: Maine Coon Cat Gift Box, Lighthouse Tower, Seaside Crab Cakes. Bottom row: Scruffy Puppy Gift Box, Fire Hydrant Sprinkler, Street Meat.
From that face place I will never join:
31 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:07 am
Next is clothing. Top row: Newz Intern Pants, Newz Intern Top, Newz Intern Headset, Fairy High Council Cloak. Bottom row: Daffodil Glasses (NEEEEEEED!), Spring Shepherd Toque, Spring Shepherd Onesie, Spring Shepherd Slippers. According to WKN, they’re going to be “looking for interns” soon. Sounds like they’re looking for big WW fans to do Ganz’s jobs for free, lol. So I’m guessing the Newz clothes are tied to that. Daffodil Glasses and Spring Shepherd clothes feel an awful lot like they’ll be in Mystery Bags, EEEEEEEEEEE! And the Fairy Cloak is a new prize from adding Alyssa as a friend.
Next is more clothing. Top row: Playful Headwrap, Playful Dress, Playful Kitten Heels, Rose Gold Gown. Bottom row: Blueberry Dress, Blueberry Shoes, Blueberry Crown, Rose Gold Heels. This all feels like summer mystery/Mother’s Day Gift Bag to me. And I desperately need it all!
32 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:13 am
Up next are prizes for the upcoming WKN Newz Week. You get the posters by trading with Ganz staff in the trading rooms or sending them Kinzpost. The signed posters will be a lot more rare.
Next is this year’s Bake Sale foods. Top row: Unnamed bake sale cookbook, prize pie, pretzel, and cinnamon bun. Bottom row: Unnamed danish, cookie, and fudge.
33 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:20 am
Next begins the parade of estore. Top row: Fairytale Forest Wallpaper, Fairytale Forest Flooring, Hollow Tree Hideout, Fairytale Forest Flower Patch. Bottom row: Granny’s Cottage, Picnic Basket Buggy, Granny’s Bonnet, and the Fairytale Forest ?? Box. Obviously this is an upcoming ?? Box theme based on Little Red Riding Hood.
Next is more estore. Top row: Seashell Cottage Window, Seashell Cottage Lamp, Seashell Cottage Bench, Waffle Cone Windmill. Bottom row: Seashell Cottage Dining Table, Seashell Cottage Dining Chair, Seashell Cottage Hutch, Lamb Hot Air Balloon. Looks like the Seashell Cottage theme will be a major theme, not a ?? box theme. There are names in the system for a Seashell Cottage stove, fridge, counter, desk, recliner, side table, and fireplace, but unfortunately the images are not yet uploaded. I just know this board is going to collectively explode over the Lamb Hot Air Balloon!
34 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:27 am
Next is more estore. Top row: Elegant Blush Carpet, Elegant Blush Sofa, Elegant Blush Curtains, Elegant Blush Bed. Bottom row: Elegant Blush Chair, and as-yet unnamed chair, Apricot Patio Plant (NEEEEEEEEDX2!!!!), Yogurt and Apricot Pie. The Elegant Blush stuff feels like a mini theme that will probably be released in bits and pieces in BOGO and Monthly sales.
Next is yet more estore/random stuff. Top row: Black and White Curtains, Spring Yellow Curtains, Spring Yellow Bed, Pet of the Month Star. Bottom row: Berry Delight Wallpaper, Berry Delight Flooring, an as-yet unnamed crib, and an unnamed peacock topiary. No idea how any of this will be released, lol.
35 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:35 am
Finally we have some more estore/random. No idea of the names for the first two items, but I know I need that apple chair! Last two items are a new Candy Tree and food, the Purple Plum Bonbon Tree and Purple Plum Bonbon.
From Mayor Dr. Quack:
*Sunday, April 29th, 2018, will be our 13th Webkinz Day! Make sure you log in on the day to share in the celebration! You’ll receive a gift box filled with special prizes! And look for the Super Wheel event on the Today’s Activities schedule for a chance to win some cool exclusives! Hope you can all visit us on this super special day!
*Haven’t won a Wacky Zingoz 600 Trophy yet? You’ll get your chance this weekend during our Wacky Weekend event! If you hit Wacky over 600 feet while playing Wacky Zingoz from April 13th – 15th, you’ll win the trophy!
*Our 2018 Flower Collection Event is returning for the entire month of May! Just visit the Map of Kinzville and click on the Flower Collection icon. Then each day you can send requests for flowers to your friends! For each milestone you collect along the way, you’ll win some fantastic new prizes! And once you finish collecting, you can start all over again!
36 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:41 am
More Mayor Dr. Quack:
*You can now add two favorite fairies to your Friends List! Alyssa Fairy can be added when you play Alyssa’s Star Challenge in the Magical Forest. Nafaria Fairy can be added when you trade stars with her. If you don’t want to wait, you can also just type the names “Alyssa Fairy†and “Nafaria Fairy†into your KinzChat cell phone, using the Add Friend button. Then you’ll be able to play against them in certain Tournament Arena games, and you can send them a KinzPost each day—and they might just respond with a special surprise!
Alyssa Prizes:
Nafaria Prizes:
37 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:45 am
More from Mayor Dr. Quack:
*There’s a NEW way to earn even MORE prizes! Just click on the “Free Prizes†button in the Things To Do menu and choose if you want to earn KinzCash or a prize for watching a video advertisement. The prizes for watching ads are ALL NEW and can only be won from here. Please note: you’ll need to have your Parent’s Account set to allow 3rd party ads and you’ll need to turn off any ad blockers to participate.
*Our special Webkinz Newz Week event is running from April 16th to April 22nd! During that week you can visit a special room in the Clubhouse where you’ll be able to get a daily prize from Ella McWoof herself! You can also click on the Podkinz Booth to watch a new episode of Podkinz (with a special surprise)! And watch for special LIVE appearances of the Webkinz Newz team: Michael, Sally, Steve and Mandy will all be making appearances and handing out personal prizes!
*To go along with our special Webkinz Newz Week event, we will also be running a Webkinz Newz Challenge from April 11th until April 22nd! If you complete all of the tasks in time, you’ll receive some wonderful Webkinz Newz-themed prizes!
*Our Dex Dangerous Trophy Challenge will also be available for a limited time, running only on the week of April 23rd – April 27th! If you complete all of the tasks during that time, you’ll win a brand NEW Dex Dangerous Trophy!
*Deluxe Members also have their own monthly challenge starting on May 1st! Once they complete all of the tasks, they’ll win some awesome Egyptian artifacts, including a Cleopatra Costume and Wig, along with a Golden Hippo Fridge!
(Yawwwwwwwwn, all old prizes!)
*Deluxe Members also receive a monthly gift box containing their choice of an item from the NEW Cozy Condo room theme, along with a special piece of clothing that can’t be found anywhere else! May’s Deluxe clothing item is a pair of Daffodil Glasses!
)
(SQUEE! The glasses are a Deluxe prize! Yay, I need about forty pairs!
*Speaking of Deluxe, our next Deluxe Day arrives on Saturday, April 28th! If you’re a Deluxe Member and you visit the Today’s Activities schedule, you’ll find this month’s special prize: a Steam Sauna! You’ll also find lots of fun activities for you to enjoy!
38 TheSpoilerLurker said,
April 11, 2018 @ 11:46 am
I can’t believe it, but they haven’t posted the new wheel prizes! O_O So that is all the information I could ferret out this week. This is TheSpoilerLurker signing off for now. This post will self-destruct in 5…4…3…2…1…BOOM!
39 Boper911 said,
April 11, 2018 @ 1:14 pm
It says IMGUR is overloaded- they might be doing maintenance. I’ll reconfigure the images once it’s back up. Thanks TLL!
40 Boper911 said,
April 11, 2018 @ 1:30 pm
pics are up!
LOVE so many of these items. The Fairytale Forest ?? *crying* Hopefully it looks as good in the room.
That Maine Coon is a FLUFFER! Not a cat person but I do like the PSI.
I kind of like the bake sale event. There are always so many opportunities to get the baked goods so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
The free prize feature is pretty neat!
The fairy items- are any new?
For the sauna- I really hope it’s fully rotatable so I can use it like a little cabin.
41 dee said,
April 11, 2018 @ 3:38 pm
could not friend alyssa and nafaria……….
42 dee said,
April 11, 2018 @ 3:42 pm
my bad
i was trying to enter alyssa the fairy etc
thanks for the intel lurk!
43 momskinz (WWID: momsownkinz) said,
April 11, 2018 @ 4:05 pm
thanks spoilerlurker!!!
i’ll make a post of this later but scheduled one when this one closes to use in the interim 🙂