We are thrilled to be using our grant from Cardinals Charities to create some great social events for families who share a diagnosis of autism or similar challenges. When our son was younger the hardest things to do were what everyone else thought was fun! Ice skating, the zoo, or going out to dinner, to name just a few. For us, those were times filled with anxiety. Would he have a meltdown? Would we have to leave 5 minutes after we arrived with our other 2 children telling us they wanted to stay? It was really difficult, so we had an idea to create environments that allow for kids to succeed or at least try out different experiences.

Our trip to “The North Pole” on The Polar Express We would like to thank the Grand Canyon Railway for providing tickets for The Polar Express. Eight families enjoyed a fabulous trip to the “North Pole”. We shared cocoa, chocolate chip cookies, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa who brought a special gift of sleigh bells. We hope this is just the beginning of our opportunity to help kids on the spectrum join in special events where we can create a more appropriate sensory environment!

In April of 2010, our book Kids with Autism Can: A Photographic Journey was published. It is available for purchase through our website or Lulu.com. We are thrilled with the impact. Pediatricians and other professionals working with young children have requested copies to have available for families receiving the diagnosis of autism. The book helps to provide hope during challenging times. It was also showcased on the Lulu blog during Autism Awareness Month. The link can be found on pg. 3 in Link It Up.

Kids With Autism Can is an organization created by Katie and Todd Murwin, Cindy Lee Herrick, and Lisa Hurst. Our goals include providing inspiration and information to families of children with ASD (autism spectrum disorders) as well as the public including teachers and therapists. We will also provide some funding to families willing to work toward their children success. We want to bring awareness to communities as well. We hope, by encouraging families to share their children’s positive stories and art work. We will be able to help people understand autism isn’t something frightening as much as it is a different way of seeing and doing things. As a society we need to support all children and young adults. If you take the time to know our children you will find rewards beyond measure!