Autism, Astrology, and Incarnation

Is autism a disease or just the result of a challenging astrological chart?

As you know I love to dabble in the world of the metaphysical and spiritual.  But what you may not have known is that I am a proud parent of two girls, my youngest being autistic.

Occasionally, I’ve pondered if or how astrology could be connected with autism.   My daughter is a Sagittarius and Sagittarians love travel and knowledge.  She absolutely loves car rides no how long (though not always the destination!) and one of her favorite videos explores music around the world.  I’ve wondered if other parents have noticed their child’s personality traits match their astrological sign or chart as well.

Though my research didn’t prove worthwhile on how one’s birth sign plays out in autism, it did lead me to how autism may be predictable within one’s birth chart and how incarnation may play a major role.

Planets in their Astrological Houses

As well as the planets, astrological houses also contribute to our personalities and self.  There are two houses in particular to consider.

The second house (Mercury) is the house of social contact and speech.   If one’s second house is negatively affected, he or she may suffer with social behaviors and speech, desiring to focus or concentrate on one subject instead.  

The fifth house (Jupiter) relates to the intellect and the mind.  If this is afflicted, then the capacity to understand and discriminate between right and wrong may be challenged.

So, can astrological houses determine a tendency towards autism?  Maybe.

Astrological Combinations

During the Uranus/Neptune combination of 1991 through 1994, children incarnated are believed to be a new breed of people completely, hence the beginning of the idea of “indigo children.”  It was perceived that these children were very different than the children of previous generations (possibly being more with more DNA strands) and also was the time when the number of children being diagnosed with autism skyrocketed.

When Neptune arrived, it brought the removal of the old way of thinking and with it came a new awareness to autism.   This is when the sudden increase of “star children” was born, bringing with them this new characteristic of squashing old beliefs and promoting new ways of thinking.  Does this mean our autistic children the new generation of star children?

During a Saturn and Uranus cycle back in 1985 through 1987, autism noticeably began its climb.  These two planets have different attributes that could be major contributors.  Saturn is the ruler of order and structure, as well as restrictions and limitations.  Uranus is rebellious and promotes radical influence, demolishing the status quo.  It also rules uniqueness, innovation, an unusual way of thinking, and having no regard to emotion and is therefore detached.   Radical change can often occur during the Saturn/Uranus combination.

Children with autism have a challenging time coping with this world, most notably seen through their behavior and social skills.  Could this be a sign of radical changes ahead?

Incarnation

Are we incarnated?  Many people believe we are there are those who don’t believe so.  My belief is that we are spiritual beings who have incarnated here on Earth in this lifetime.  With that being said, there are limitations our spiritual self takes on when coming into physical form.  One thing we all have in common is our bodies, but what differs is how many times we have incarnated here on Earth.  Autistic children are believed to have incarnated less times on Earth.  What does this mean? 

 

Though an autistic’s body is physically here, it’s as if their spiritual self is not.  Many families with autism understand this, as I can personally vouch for.

If you’ve studied or read anything about enlightenment, then you understand how the ego is not our true self.  It’s simply mind chatter, or clutter as I prefer, that distracts us from our true nature.  It causes us to live in the past and future, not in the “now” which is where enlightenment can be found.  When children are born, they are in their in their true spiritual nature, with no ego being present .  As they mature, the ego develops and distances them from their spiritual nature.

What I have learned and noticed with my own child is that she has no ego.  My daughter lives in her own world without any judgment or concern of what others think of her.  Could it be that an autistic person’s spiritual self has not fully connected with their physical being?  Is this the new wave leading us to a more enlightened way of life?

Conclusion

Are we beginning to witness the transformation of the human being with a mind that operates very differently than what we know or are used to?  Though this transformation may be a scary thought for many people, it is also an opportunity for us to broaden our own minds and way of thinking.  Instead of trying to mainstream those with autism and trying to teach them how to live in our world, should we let them guide us into theirs?

By:  Kristen Lee Curtis

 

Toxic Children: Do Environmental Poisons Contribute to Autism?

It’s the long-unanswered question, almost an enigma: what causes autism? Experts suggest autism may stem from such things as genetics, infections, complications at birth, and even vaccines. But could environmental toxins also play a part? We may soon know the answer to that very question as research is finally exploring a possible link between mental health issues and environmental exposures.

What Are Environmental Toxins?

Environmental toxins are pollutants that we breathe, ingest, or come in contact with on a regular, day-to-day basis.  A staggering number of chemicals, ranging in the tens of thousands, have been introduced into the environment over the last 50 years.  What is frightening is that the majority of these toxins had never been tested to see if health problems surface as a result of exposure.

One possible problem? Developmental and learning disabilities. In fact, it has been determined that one out of six children suffers from developmental and learning disabilities and/or chronic diseases. If environmental toxins play a part in this, our children are being affected significantly. Infants, children, and young adults are much more at risk than adults because their bodies are constantly changing and growing.  Their vital organs, like their brain, nervous system, lungs, and reproductive organs are growing at such a fast rate, making them easily susceptible to toxic interference.  With their under-developed lungs and kidneys, children’s bodies cannot detox these poisons as efficiently as adults.

It’s not just direct exposure that poses a problem either. A pregnant woman breathing in exhaust fumes exposes her unborn child to that particular environmental poison.

And of course, one must account for the “curious” nature of children. Toddlers and children put everything in their mouths, not just food.  Even with the most cautious moms on the case, kids can end up eating a ton of non-food items, like dirt and paint, which only increases their intake of these toxins.  What’s more? Diesel fumes from school buses have been proven to cause cancer, particularly lung cancer.

Fortunately, what is beginning to be examined is how environmental toxins actually impact a child’s health, and more importantly, to what extent. Some mental and physical health issues may include:

• ADHD
• Asthma
• Autism
• Behavioral disorders
• Birth defects
• Cancer
• Dysfunctional immune system
• Early puberty in girls
• Learning disabilities
• Neurological impairments
• Reproductive disorders
• Sexual maturity and fertility problems
• Sperm count declination

Which Environmental Toxins are in Question?

Bisphenol A (BPA): Bisphenol A can affect reproductive and neurological systems as it mimics estrogen.  In pregnant women, it collects around the fetus, or more specifically, the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.  It’s been recognized to cause behavioral issues in toddler-age girls and can alter prostate size and decrease sperm count in boys. BPA can be found in items like plastic bottles (including baby bottles), in the lining of cans, pacifiers, and even in the dental sealant for cavity prevention.

Brominated Flame Retardants: Because of its proven harmfulness as a hormone disrupter and its link to thyroid problems, some companies are discontinuing the use of brominated flame retardants.  Bans on two particular flame retardants are now in effect in Europe and a few different states in the United States. Bedding, children’s pajamas, upholstered furniture, car seats, and strollers all contain flame retardants.  It’s also been found in household dust and even breast milk.

Lead: Exposure to lead can affect a child’s developing brain, as well as cause headaches, stomach pain, anemia, and behavioral issues.  Gas fumes, exhaust, soil (due to its exposure to exhaust and rust), pewter dinnerware, and certain hobbies that use soldering (stained glass, jewelry making, pottery glazing) are examples of things that could contribute to lead exposure.

Mercury: Commonly found in the fish we eat, exposure to mercury can tamper with children’s language abilities, concentration, and memory, as well as interfere with their visual, spatial, and fine motor skills.  Recently in Texas a study revealed autism in greater numbers due to an elevated intensity of mercury in the environment.

Perfluorinated Compounds: Perfluorinated compounds are fluorine-containing chemicals that can make things stain- and stick-resistant, like Teflon-coated pots and pans, fabric treatments, grease-resistant food packaging, and even certain brands of dental floss.  In testing on laboratory mice and rats, it causes pancreatic, liver, testicular, and mammary gland tumors.  Liver and thyroid cancer, liver and kidney damage, and reproductive problems are prevalent as well.

Pesticides (Organochlorine and Organophosphate): Lindane, a specific organochlorine, was a prescription for removing head lice.  It was known for symptoms of dizziness, headaches, and convulsions.  As recently as 2003, most organochlorines have been discontinued in the United States.  Organophospate pesticides are connected with hormonal disruption and numerous kinds of cancer.  More than a half of samples of baby foods in the United States contained detectable levels of pesticides.  One out of five baby food jars inspected included at least two pesticides.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH): PAHs result from incomplete burning of carbon material like oil, wood, garbage, and coal.  Mothballs, blacktop, certain skin creams, anti-dandruff shampoos, and charcoal-broiled foods are some examples of products that contain PAHs.  Lung and skin cancer are health hazards from PAH exposure, as well as reproductive problems with a baby in utero. The lungs, liver, skin, and kidney can also suffer damage.  Anxiety and behavioral problems are health concerns with children who are exposed to this byproduct of incomplete combustion.

What Can You Do?

• Opt for natural cleaning solutions instead of using chemical-laden cleaning products, or go “green” with the earth-friendly products now available.   
• By pouring boiling water on the roots of weeds in the garden, you can kill those nasty buggers instead of using harmful chemical killers.  
• Hairspray can kill many pesky insects that invade your space in the house.
• Keep a “cheat sheet” of toxins and read labels when shopping for household goods, toys, and clothing.  
• Replace your Teflon-coated cookware with stainless steel or ceramic pots and pans.   
• When purchasing furniture, say NO to the fabric protection package.  
• Look for televisions, computers, etc. which do not contain brominated flame retardants.  
• Dispose of painted toys (lead) and plastic toys (BPA).  Select wooden toys instead.
• Keep your home as dust-free as possible.  Choose hardwood floors as opposed to carpeting to reduce the dust and chemicals that reside in it.
• When buying your groceries, choose organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables when possible to avoid pesticides.  Consider limiting your meat intake since most animals are injected with hormones to fatten up or produce more milk.  Avoid processed foods, like fast food, frozen food, and canned or boxed food.
• Make sure everyone in your household washes their hands frequently, especially before eating.
• Drink and cook with distilled water.  It’s water in its purest form.  If using tap water, let tap run for a minute to wash away any build-up in the faucet.
• Don’t use lead crystal for serving food and drinks.
• Check with your child-care facilities or school to find out if they’re using environmentally friendly cleaning agents and pesticides.

It may sound laborious at first, but it’s really not. In fact, with just a little extra consciousness, and a tiny bit of work, you can provide a much safer environment for you and your family.

By:  Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com

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Cited Sources:

Browning, Dominique. "Top 10 Toxins Suspected of Causing Autism." Care2. 2 May 2012. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-10-toxins-suspected-of-causing-autism.html>.

"Health Guide." Lead Poisoning. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/poison/lead-poisoning/overview.html>.

Orzech, Dan. "Chemical Kids - Environmental Toxins and Child Development." Chemical Kids - Environmental Toxins and Child Development. Social Work Today, Mar. 2007. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/marapr2007p37.shtml>.

Martin, Dr. Sharyn. "ASEHA Qld." ASEHA QLD. ASEHA Qld Inc., 20 Oct. 2009. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://www.asehaqld.org.au/index.php?option=com_content>.Tuesday, 20 October 2009

"Pollution Issues." Endocrine Disruption. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://www.pollutionissues.com/Ec-Fi/Endocrine-Disruption.html>.

"KidsHealth." Lead Poisoning. Nemours. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/lead_poisoning.html>.

"Pollution In People." Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs). Web. 16 May 2012. <http://www.pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/pfcs>.

Learning Your Child is Autistic: One Mom's Story

No parent can ever forget that moment when they learned that their child had autism. Today, I’d like to share my story with you.

Since the day she came home from the hospital back in December of 1997, my daughter Lana had the typical autism traits; though I didn’t know it at the time.  When she wasn’t feeding or sleeping, she cried and cried and cried.  My family and friends suggested to me that she had colic, which seems to be the “go to” answer when your newborn cries all the time.  But my intuition told me that this was not the case for Lana; though I admit I had no idea what the true answer was.

I tried any and all ideas to help calm her from her distress, including running the vacuum after hearing that the hum is supposed to work some kind of magic for calming babies.  My “magic” came in a puff of smoke and burnt motor smell wafting through the house with a baby still crying  (Yes, I killed a vacuum cleaner).  The only cure for the crying was holding Lana in my arms and sitting with her in a rocking chair. Many, many hours during her first year we rocked in that chair with me praying and wishing for her next nap time so I could finally have a break from her. My goal became just getting through her waking hours, so I could put her back in her crib.

Her crying lessened in stages. When she began crawling, the crying began to lighten up. The same happened when she began walking.  As she began to gain her own independence, her mood gradually began to turn away from the constant crankiness to more happiness. 

But, there were other things that became unsettling. Lana did not respond to my voice or her name being called like many babies do. I could talk to her and she seemed to look through me as if I wasn’t there.  She rarely made eye contact when being spoken or read to, and if she did, it was by total accident.

Her inability to communicate encouraged many meltdowns for her and me.  There was absolutely no way to know what her problem was or what her needs were when that meltdown ensued.   All I could do was tolerate the screaming and literally wait for the storm to pass.  Sometimes these meltdowns lasted only five minutes, but that was unusual.  Most of them lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.  Feeling overwhelmed and broken, there were many times where I laid like a lump on the floor sobbing with stress, having a meltdown of my own.

Lana also lacked in the speech department.  She didn’t imitate sounds or talking, and honestly to this day, I don’t know what her first word really was.  She seemed to speak in her own language.  The only way she could communicate was to point to what she wanted or needed.

When Lana was around 18 months old, my mom was the first person who mentioned to me that something might not be “right” with her and that maybe her hearing should be checked.  I knew that her hearing was spot-on, though, because if she was in her bedroom and the Teletubbies theme music was playing in the living room, she’d cruise through the house to get to the TV and watch her favorite show.  But I acknowledged by mother’s concern and took her for a hearing test.  And surprise, surprise … her hearing was perfect.

When she was in her early twos, she was examined by a neurologist.  I received a three-page review of her testing and in the final paragraph the word “autism” appeared.  Autism?  I had never even heard of it before.  I immediately got online to see what I could learn.  As I became more familiar about autism, I realized that nearly every single trait applied to Lana.

It may seem like an opposite reaction, but I felt relief.  I finally had a direction to go.  There was no more mystery behind her.  Though nothing had really changed, no problem had been fixed, and nothing was easier, just knowing what I was dealing with brought me a little bit of comfort.

My now ex-husband, on the other hand, had a very difficult time accepting the news.  He couldn’t believe that something like this could happen to him.  “What did I do to deserve this?” were his thoughts.  “How could this happen to me?”  His attitude left me feeling very frustrated … this was OUR child and all he could do was think of himself and his embarrassment of having a “less than perfect” child.

His denial last for many years, which ultimately left me feeling very “alone on an island.” I felt that the weight of raising an autistic daughter was mine and mine alone to shoulder.  And I was okay with that.


Over the years, Lana has progressed and has become a very happy teenager; though socially she is still around three to four years old.  She has not outgrown her meltdowns, but they are much rarer these days and often seem to coincide with her PMS.  She is gaining more and more independence with each passing day.  She can now cook her favorite French fries in the oven and knows how to use oven mitts to take them out, which is a huge accomplishment.  Because of her light touch, she still needs assistance with things like washing her hair and bathing, which we are always working on.

Though she is independent in our home, will she ever be truly independent?  That’s a question I don’t have an answer for.  She is my daughter and I love her dearly, more than I could ever express in words.  I know that it is my mission in life to help her grow and, more importantly, be happy and enjoy her life.  I admire the way that she can experience life with no regrets, no judgment, and not caring about what others think.  She is totally in her own element and is free.  And with tears in my eyes as I type this paragraph, I feel very privileged just to know her and experience the world through her eyes.  

By Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com

Autism Numbers Continue to Rise

As families struggling with autism demand reasons and explanations for it, the number of children being diagnosed just keeps rising . . . and not just a little. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released the latest numbers of children being diagnosed within the autism spectrum, estimating that one in 88 children is affected.

Let’s take a quick look at some latest statistics as we continue to observe Autism Awareness Month.


Running the Numbers

The numbers are rapidly increasing every year.  In fact, the current statistics show an increase of 23 percent since 2009, and a whopping 73 percent since 2007.

One fact which has remained steady is that the majority of children diagnosed within the autistic spectrum are boys, coming in at one in 47. This is five times greater than the number of girls being diagnosed, which is one in 252.  Minorities are also seeing increased numbers with Hispanic children increasing by 110 percent and autistic black children increasing by 91 percent.

Early intervention is one of the best treatments for autism and recognizing the symptoms as soon as possible is crucial.  Fortunately, according to this latest information, children are now beginning to be diagnosed as early as three years old, though the average age leans towards four years old.



What is Causing the Rise in Diagnoses?

Does autism occur in utero or does it develop after birth?  Here are some ideas that the medical community thinks may be contributing to the rising numbers.

• A great deal of discussion surrounds vaccinations.  Is it the actual vaccination? Or is it the mercury (which acts as a conglomerate within the vaccines) that instigates it?  
• With 15 to 20 percent of autistic children having a genetic mutation, genes could be a contributor.
• Closely-spaced pregnancies (children being born within one year of one another) is another speculation for autism.
• Children born to older parents may be at higher risk.
• Premature or low-birth-weight babies may have an increased chance of autism.
• Certain prescriptions (like thalidomide and valporic acid) taken during pregnancy are now questionable.
• If someone in your family has an autistic child, family history may be a risk as well.
• Environmental pollution could also make a difference.

Are We Just More Aware?

What needs to be considered for the increase in numbers is simple awareness.  If autism is more easily detected due to enhanced diagnosis methods, naturally the numbers would rise.  It may just be that in the past many mild autistics were not so identifiable, which could be why the spectrum for autism seems to be stretching wider and wider as each day passes.

Given that, the question must be posed: are the numbers truly increasing, or are parents and doctors able to recognize the traits more easily? That’s the million dollar question.


By Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com

Exploring the Rising Costs of Autism

Being a mom of an autistic daughter, I wanted to shed some light on the cost of raising an autistic child as it something that is very close and very important to me. It’s a serious issue, and I want to bring awareness to those who don’t realize how autism truly affects the family on not just an emotional level, but on a financial level as well.

It is not uncommon to see autism in the headlines; usually exploring new treatments, therapies and trends. It should come as no surprise that treatment for autism is extremely expensive and not usually covered by health insurance, though that is changing. Costs differ from state to state for special needs children. One study coming from the Harvard School of Public Health states that the estimated medical and education costs can go as high as $72,000 yearly for children with severe autism. And the number doesn’t drop too much for those at the lower end of the spectrum, coming in at $67,000 per year.

With the economy as it is these days, there are many families that simply cannot afford the variety of treatments available . . . none of which are guaranteed to help. And it can be a difficult decision choosing between medical or alternate treatments or if they should focus on the education aspect.

My daughter had a wonderful teacher who stepped out of his role as teacher, came to us as a friend and told us that her current school system couldn’t offer her the education that she needed. We immediately sold our home and moved into a better school district for her benefit. We personally chose to invest in her education and opted for alternative treatments (paying for all treatments out-of-pocket) during her summer breaks to help her along. Happily I can report that she has progressed from moderate to mild in the autism spectrum.

Treatment vs. Education

Many parents don’t believe that the schools offer proper education, which these children need and deserve . . . even though the 1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires all school districts to provide a "free and appropriate" education for children with disabilities, including autism. Some parents often feel that the schools are just babysitters and not truly teaching or working with their children, which in turn leads them to alternative education and additional costs - if their budget can handle it.

There is a fine line between the options of treatments and education. This fine line opens a door for debate between insurance and school systems, which leaves both refusing any responsibility. Fortunately, insurance companies and their views have been changing. The advocacy group Autism Speaks has been pushing states to approve laws mandating insurance companies begin to cover treatment. This is vitally important as new findings are showing that healthcare costs for autism are rising faster than any other mental disorder. As the number of children with autism rises, so do the expenses. Autism-related healthcare costs increased more than 30% from 2000 to 2003. The number of autistic children also increased 30% during that same time period.

Direct and Indirect Costs

Raising an autistic person during their lifetime could be as high $3.2 million, which is a staggering number to think about. It’s difficult to imagine many families being able to foot that bill. Caring for all people with autism over their lifetimes comes in at $35 billion per year.

And these don’t include the indirect costs, like the value of lost productivity from an autistic person (meaning the difference in possible income from someone with autism versus someone without). Also, which rarely gets mentioned, is the loss of productivity coming from an autistic’s parents; like the loss of income due to reduced work hours or not having the option to work at all. It’s estimated that these indirect costs for parents and their autistic children range from $39,000 to almost $130,000 yearly.

What the Future Holds . . .

Hopefully, with the legislation for health insurance being approved and more states and insurance companies joining in, more families can afford the necessary treatments and therapies for their loved ones with autism. Early intervention is crucial to their growth, and if they can get early treatments it will make their transition into school so much more beneficial to their education and future life.

My daughter was two years old when she was diagnosed with autism. I’m very thankful that we learned of it at such an early age and were able to put our energy into giving her the best options possible. With that being said, that early attention to her needs has definitely paid off. Will she ever be independent? I don’t know. All I know is that she is self-sufficient and very happy; and that makes me happy too. I wish the same happiness for all parents and families living with autism.


By Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com

Special Olympics: More Than Just a Day at the Park

 

Who would have thought that a backyard summer camp for kids and adults with special needs and intellectual disabilities could have become what it is today: a worldwide movement, helping to change the lives and attitudes of participants, families, and supporters for over 43 years.

Where it Began

And so it began . . . All it took was one person, Eunice Kennedy, to notice how these special individuals were being left out, forgotten about, and not being treated fairly.  The lack of attention and treatment as “outcasts” left Eunice frustrated with how intellectually-challenged children and young adults had nowhere to play.  Her dream of doing something special for them began to materialize when she created a summer day camp in her very own backyard in the early 1960s.  Her goal became to encourage these special kids to do the best at the sports they could participate in, without dwelling on the things they couldn’t do, as so often happened.


And So it Grew

The first Special Olympics Summer Games were held in Chicago back in 1968. Over 1,000 intellectually-challenged individuals from 26 states and Canada competed in swimming and track and field events. Twenty years later in 1988, as the Special Olympics rapidly grew in popularity and support, the International Olympic Committee signed a historic agreement and officially endorsed and recognized the Special Olympics.

One Girl’s Story

This was the first year my intellectually-challenged, teenage autistic daughter participated in the Special Olympics. I admit the phrase “intellectually-challenged” bothers me a bit; just because she can’t verbalize her thoughts, it doesn’t make the rest us any “smarter.”   Anyway, I was excited to go and felt quite privileged to be a supporter of her and all the other kids and adults with challenges.

My daughter, Lana, has a difficult time accepting new, unfamiliar ideas . . . and the Special Olympics were no different.  Her teacher asked if she wanted to run in the races, to which she firmly said, “No!”  She eventually signed up for the ball toss for distance.  When the day came and it was her turn, Lana did not understand that she had to wait until told to throw the ball and immediately launched it into the air, nearly taking someone out.  Though everyone was safe, we all had a chuckle; and she finished in third place!  Nothing made me prouder than to see her on the podium as they placed the medal around her neck.  I think dancing with one of the school’s mascot, a cougar, was Lana’s happiest moment, though!

More Than Just a Day at the Park

It’s hard not to get a little emotional, whether it be with tears in your eyes or a smile on your face, as you watch these kids enjoy the freedom outside of the classroom – simply being able to compete with one another; whether on foot or in a wheelchair, either independently or with assistance.  It’s a special day for everyone: the kids, their families, and their teachers.  Dennis Foels, Special Education Teacher for Williamson County Schools in Franklin, Tennessee had this to share, “There are so many things that can be said about the program or the activities that are offered at least every month by Williamson County Special Olympics.  However, it just comes down to the pure joy on the faces of the participants and that is more important than anything else, smiles.”


One of my dearest friends, Leigh Jackson, has been a tremendous shoulder to lean on for me and my daughter; really our whole family.  Having a brother with intellectual disabilities, it has given her a great understanding of the ongoing stress that comes with those with special needs.  She, too, has witnessed the Special Olympics and what it provided for her brother.  “Scott was always proud of his ribbons and trophies and it really boosted his ego. I looked forward every year to his excitement, his surprise at winning the ribbons, and most of all, the smile that spread across his face after participating. I have so much gratitude in my heart for the special work that Special Olympics does for individuals and their families! Without it, I don't think Scott would have grown up to be the adult that he is today!”

The Special Olympics opens the eyes of those who are unaware. It’s fun for participants to compete and be physically active. And it brings joy and camaraderie to everyone involved. 

When you consider that, what more really needs to be said?


By Kristen Lee Curtis

Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com