When I graduated college and started my first job, one of the first friends I made was a great guy named Anthony Martinez. He and his fiance were a great couple and I was thrilled to witness their marriage a few years later. I was even more overjoyed at the birth of their children.
A little more than a year ago, their younger daughter was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Thankfully, Anthony's wife has worked in the field for a long time so they were able to begin early intervention. While she is making strides, we all want so much for Gisselle and anyone on the Autism Spectrum.
Anthony was just interviewed on a local cable station in New York, and I encourage you to watch it. He not only shares his family's story, but he talks about what it is to be a man dealing with a child with autism. He encourages men to feel, to get involved and to become advocates.
I don't do this often, but it would mean a lot to me if you would consider donating to his page in honor of his sweet little girl. Any amount will help - a dollar or $100, it doesn't matter. What matters is we support families that are advocating for their loved ones and standing up for them when they can't.
What is Autism: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. With the May 2013 publication of the new DSM-5 diagnostic manual, these autism subtypes will be merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
What can you do?
Donate: Anthony Martinez's Fundraising Page
Thank you.
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