Despite all that has gone wrong these past few weeks, I still feel it is important to do my part for autism.  Awareness is a huge effort and must be given our best efforts.  Since the 1970’s, the Autism Society has set aside the month of April to celebrate autism awareness month.  Many American’s join in with ribbion wearing, blue lights on the porch, and a host of community events.  Other organizations, such as Autism Speaks, has taken this idea a step further with World Autism Awareness Month in an effort to make autism awareness a global collaboration.  The movement is growing.April is certainly a big month for autism, but what about the year round efforts of smaller groups?  One such group that grabbed my attention was The Six Degree Project.  Spearheaded by autistic student Carly Fleischmann, and students Emily Albert and Mia Kibel, these students didn’t wait for April.  This group of students from Northern Secondary School in Toronto, picked the often frigid month of February to raise awareness for autism.  The project sent long, warm, blue scarfs to celebrities and patrons, asking them to wear the scarf during their public appearances, and then post the photo to the Six Degree Project’s Facebook page.  Acting as a wonderful metaphor, the scarf seems to illustrate the warmth that grows in the heart of the communities who embrace autism by spreading a positive image.

I was so moved by this concept, I immediately contacted the group.  They promptly responded to my inquiry and seemed excited that I wanted to participate, despite my non-celebrity status.  Delighted, I sent in the form an awaited the release of the scarf.

The package arrived on a cold, wet afternoon.  Ecstatic, I ripped open the padded envelope right there at the mailbox.  It was like I was a child receiving a special delivery from Santa!  I was pleasantly surprised to see quality and detail in the design, and that the scarf was long enough to be utilized as more than a decorative item.  I was pleased.

It didn’t seem enough to just wear the scarf.  I had been planning for months to make an autism awareness music video that would shed a positive light on autism, and the abilities of autistic people.  With the scarf as inspiration, I picked the song You Raise Me Up, laid out the storyboards, and began the search for participants.

Since autism is such a sensitive topic for many parents, I struggled to find families willing to brag about their autism.  At first, I was deeply disappointed by the lack of involvement, but then I realized how much we needed to make this video.

Frustration during a creative project is unavoidable, it seems.  Creativity also seems to be accompanied by a truck load of self-doubt.  Perhaps this is how we stay humble, or how we keep therapists in business.  Whatever the reason, I was 2 days from the deadline, and practically paralyzed by my erratic executive functioning skill set.

Not knowing where to turn, I texted my good friend Anna, “Why aren’t I happy with anything I am producing today?”  Using the exact number of words she knows I need to not be overwhelmed, she eloquently replied, “Because your ambition is being held back by your means.”  She was right.  Budgetary limitations and lack of access to programs has been a huge burden on my process.  Why were my means limited?  I am a hard working, productive member of society, but I just can’t seem to get that leg up I need to be truly independent and financially secure.  I didn’t need to make this project only for the Six Degree Project, I didn’t need to make this project only for the parents who feared being public about autism.  It was apparent that I also needed to do this project for me.  With a renewed sense of energy, and the positive reaffirmation of my good friend, I dove head first into the video.

Working until the early morning hours on the eve of my 36th birthday, I completed the autism awareness video.  The video below is on my YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/liquidc2

Visit my website for more information on what I do, and to watch the official countdown timer on the homepage!  http://www.lauranadine.net

Don’t forget to visit The Six Degree Project and show your support by purchasing a scarf.  http://thesixdegreeproject.com/

I am proud to support autism and the creative movement started by The Six Degree Project.  I hope the world will one day be warmed by the love that comes with awareness, and acceptance.

Laura