April is Autism Awareness Month and by now EVERYONE knows that. It is only April 4th but it is ALL over the news, all over the blogs, all over the world. Autism is being celebrated. Children with autism are being thrown in front of cameras and microphones. Reporters are taking advantage of the autism news at their fingertips, autism bloggers not withstanding. Money is being raised in the name of autism. <!--more-->

However, shouldn't these things be done all the time (well, despite the children in front of camera's and microphones, that is)?

A few weeks ago I was at my local Autism Meet-up group Play Date and one of the mothers brought up an excellent pint. The local Pump it Up was sponsoring a Special Needs Night (and promoting it as Autism Night for kids with a low sensory tolerance).

In theory this is fabulous and several other places, including a local children's museum, also do this. However, what is bothersome is that this is not something Pump it Up does on a regular basis. But shouldn't they? Shouldn't we all help raise money everyday for autism research?

Shouldn't we all help find and promote activities for our little ones that are sensory sensitive (and that take place everyday)? Parents should all know the signs and symptoms of autism because pediatricians should know and educate parents, because First Signs should help educate parents everyday.

On a side note: Please be very wary of what you read on the internet this month and if you want to donate money to a foundation please donate to a not-for-profit foundation that is established (like Autism Speaks or TACA). Stay clear of individuals selling autism products or small companies stating that they will donate portions of their proceeds to autism research, as they may not be doing what they say.