At the present time, Idrees has decided to take an active role in becoming a supporter of kids with autism. When asked by one of his best friends, what made him choose to support autism; he replied, “because of what I saw when I was a teacher.”
As a former teacher, Idrees came across a number of students who were affected by autism. While teaching his eighth grade history course, Idrees noticed that kids with autism find it difficult to talk with other people and express themselves using words. Kids who had autism usually kept to themselves and could not communicate without special help.
After reading literature about autism, Idrees learned that autism impairs a child’s social interaction and communicative abilities. When a child has autism their brain does not help them to understand how to interpret sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations, so they have trouble functioning, talking, going to school, and doing daily chores.
Idrees believes that the more knowledge a parent learns about autism, the more prepared they are to make competent decisions for their child, such as getting treatment for their child as early as possible. Parents should be aware of both the traditional and alternative therapies and any up-to-date research advancements. Social and welfare rights are also an important part of the bigger picture as it relates to autism.
Idrees has since learned that spreading information in our communities is key in breaking down walls about autism. Idrees believes that kids with autism have brighter futures, when they have the support and understanding from doctors, teachers, caregivers, parents, brothers, sisters and friends.
If you are interested in learning more about autism, a few very informative support groups and websites are the Hollyrod Foundation and Autism Speaks.
HOLLYROD FOUNDATION
HollyRod.org
(310) 385-1590
The Hollyrod Foundation was started by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL player Rodney Peete. R.J. Peete, who is their eldest son has autism and the Peete's are very involved in raising awareness about autism.
AUTISM SPEAKS
www.autismspeaks.org
This organization is commited to increasing awareness of autism. The organization was started in February, 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright. The Wrights are the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright serves as Chief Executive Officer of NBC.
Singer and songwriter, Toni Braxton, whose son was diagnosed with autism, serves as a national spokesperson for the advocacy organization, Autism Speaks.
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