Autism Awareness Month - Jewelry for a Cause

Hi friends!

April is Autism Awareness month and I'm ready to spread awareness and educate others about Autism and the impact it has on families.

I work in a clinic where we provide 1:1 behavior therapy services to children with autism. On a daily basis I see the struggles these families face as well as the smiles on their faces when their child does something for the first time, has an amazing day at school, or says a new word!

Did you know that 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder? Studies have found that these families have a harder time getting by financially, finding adequate child care, and are more likely to have poor parental mental health (Autism Speaks).

This morning I took Loyalty, service dog in training, to an autism walk in Orlando and she showed her support by wearing her new pin!

Working with these children and their families is truly life changing and I'm always looking for a way to support them.

When I heard that Stella & Dot is supporting Autism Awareness month by donating a portion of their sales to the HollyRod Foundation I immediately talked to my friend who is a Stylist for the company about hosting a jewelry party.

Stella & Dot has an "autism boutique" collection of bracelets and the proceeds from those pieces will go directly to the HollyRod Foundation to provide care to those living with autism and their families. How amazing is that?! And it's so easy to support this cause because who doesn't love shopping for new jewelry, clothing, and purses?!

If you are interested in shopping and helping me raise money for an amazing cause please shop THIS LINK and share with all of your friends! Stella & Dot just released their new summer line and pieces are going quick so be sure to check it out now so you are the first to get your hands on their amazing pieces.

Thank you :)

Surfers for Autism

The Surfers for Autism mission is to unlock the potential of people with developmental delays, support advocacy for autism issues and scientific research. Our focus is to eliminate stigma through public awareness and education and to unite communities through volunteerism (from their website). 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Surfers for Autism event in Flagler Beach with a few girls from work. As I work with individuals with autism, I figured this would be an awesome experience and a great way to network and meet new people. 

The entire day was so special. I watched a little girl that was terrified of the surf board gradually work her way to sitting on the board when it was laying in the sand. The joy on her parent's faces was so exciting to see and had to have been so rewarding to the surf instructor working with the girl.

Other children were out in the water swimming, floating on the surf boards, and some were even standing on the boards and riding the waves in! It was awesome to watch the surfers interact with the kids and to see how much fun everyone was having. I am definitely going to register to volunteer next year when it's in the area!

If you are in the Florida area or want more information on Surfers for Autism, visit their site!

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Surfers for Autism. I just think it's an awesome organization! As always, all opinions are entirely my own.