I recently joined a local mommy group, and was invited to a fundraising walk yesterday for autism research by one of the mommies with an autistic 3 year old boy. I said that I would be happy to go, as my boyfriend was recently diagnosed with AS.

IT WAS WONDERFUL. About 20 people showed up to support this one particular boy (which seemed to be a common ratio!). I picked up a lot of information for local Asperger's resources. There were great activities for the kids, and every local food vendor was there, handing out water and bagels and ice cream.

So many people were there, and I had my 6 month old, Malena, in her stroller. One little boy was fascinated by babies, and came over to look at her. His mother immediately followed to make sure he was ok, but it was so nice to see that she didn't have to explain his behavior - the spectrum kids were the norm there!

I had a great day.

This is the info for walks in Toronto, ON and London, UK, if anyone's interested:
http://www.autismwalk.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5725

Mary

I love going to the autism gropu with my mom. It's the National Autism Association. I met some aspies there and I love it because people know why I don't make eye contact, or don't respond to people. They know why noises are driving me insane, or why I am angered by things vrey easily.

Wow, sounds great!

I am glad you enjoyed yourself Mary. How wonderful to feel so much support and understanding.