How can you raise awareness and support Autism?

So many people have asked me, how can I make a difference and create awareness for Autism. Simply put, by talking about it, blogging, inviting others to join our facebook group (I Love Someone with Autism) and wearing our "I Love Someone with Autism" t-shirt. If you don't have one, we are selling them for only $10 (proceeds go to Autism charities) online at www.melissahuntsampey.com.

I'd like to share a quick story from one of our group members on how wearing a "I Love Someone with Autism" shirt makes a difference:

Jennifer was heading to a local restaurant, busy and occupied with her own life, however she was wearing her "I Love Someone with Autism" t-shirt not thinking anything of it. The young woman at the restaurant took her order and then read her shirt. After doing so, tears started rolling down her face because little did Jennifer know, this young woman had learned that her 3-year old son had just been diagnosed with Autism and she was scared. The young woman found comfort in knowing that she was not alone.

Autism makes this world an even smaller place. So many people are affected. Won't you show your support and love and purchase a t-shirt so together we can make a difference?

And the battle continues...

Interesting article that shows the commitment of Detroit based DTE Energy to work with the government to provide benefits for workers with children with Autism. Without a change in state law, workers with autistic children will have to take time off work and pay out-of-pocket for care that can cost nearly $50,000 annually. It's sad because Michigan is losing specialists that treat children with Autism because they are getting paid for their services in other states. What are your thoughts on this?

It makes me extremely frustrated that parents who have fought for their child in life now have to fight for their healthcare among other things. For a condition that affects 35 million people world-wide, why is insurance coverage such a battle?
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100622/BIZ/6220328/1001/DTE-chief-urges-Michigan-insurers-to-offer-autism-benefits#ixzz0raxg4w5v

Autism Love on June 26

Hunt Sampey Foundation with help of Melissa Hunt-Sampey and Nicole Spears are pleased to present "Autism Love", a fundraising event that will raise funds for local Autism related charities on Saturday, June 26 at Mixx Lounge in Novi from 3 - 9 p.m.

Autism Love will include; music by world famous DJ Godfather, photo booth by Mobile Exposures, strolling

hors d'oeuvres, vendor booths, raffle prize drawings, all in a light hearted, fun environment. We are pleased to have Actress and Model Tiffany Stone and Channel 95.5 Stick joins us at the event.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Mixx Lounge, Rocket Painting by Damian, Six Star Custom and Mobile Exposures.

$5 donation at the door. Event proceeds will benefit the following Autism charities: St. Louis Center, home for the developmentally disabled, Judson Center, EMU Autism Collaborative Center and Autism Speaks.