Melissa Jill Photography

Cameron Clark Photography - This is such a huge issue in parenting these days. I have read a ton about this topic as I have a new baby boy who is 6 months old. He is a totally healthy little guy for which I am very grateful. Something I've learned in my own experience is that you cannot expect the medical community to be infallible, you have to do your own research and trust your instincts. Sometimes the main stream answers and norms are not what's best for our children. We have to dig deeper, and hopefully through walks and other grassroots organizations and education we can bring awareness about issues such as Autism.

sarah J. - you are making a difference....

tami - PERFECTLY PUT! it doesn't get any more straight and passionate as you are for autism!

Melodee - I have been lurking around and enjoying your work for awhile now, but I wanted to take a moment to comment on this one. :) My son has Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the autistic spectrum. He is going to be 11 in a few weeks, but when he was 18 months old, I began asking the doctors for help. His behaviors, which had existed literally since birth, were getting to be too hard to ignore. I was a young mom, and I was dismissed repeatedly over the next few years. He was not able to receive the proper diagnosis until he was 9 years old...and that was only due to my persistence, and finding our own specialist and paying out of pocket. Doctors need to realize that parents know their children. They need to be taught what to look for, aside from a few bullet points in a medical text book. It is so important for these kids. Your nephews are adorable.

Giovanna Mandel - I'm the aunt of a autistic boy as well. We love Zach to pieces and he has taught us TONS about love and acceptance of others. Zach never judges since that abilitiy doesn't exist...makes for a sweet world. My brother and sister-in-law recently had to put their family dog to sleep. The whole family was so upset..Zach's comment was, "Bailey's in heaven, Bye Bailey" and that was it. Over and out! He had dealt with it and moved on:) A funny moment for my brother and sister-in-law...autistic children can teach us plenty about living in the moment:) Best wishes for your work with Autism in AZ. Giovanna

Natalie - Thanks for this Lis!! I hope our local friends will participate even if they can't donate. It is so encouraging to feel supported and encouraged. You are an awesome sister!!

Liza - I totally understand where you are coming from on this particular subject. My daughter had difficulty with speech among other things and I did express this issue with her pediatrician. Which, of course, her pediatrician told me not to worry. All I kept thinking was, 'How can I not worry? She's my daughter!' Over time, my daughter was still stuck in the same place she was 6 months prior. I brought her in again only to persist that she get tested for Autism. She had to undergo many tests but thankfully, she came out without it. Although she is not Autistic I went on the Autism walk because I can only imagine how many other children there are out there and their parents are being told not to worry! A good friend of mines daughter was recently diagnosed with Autism and it has been a constant struggle with my friend as a new mother and her precious 4 year old little girl. Your nephews are absolutely adorable! I hope that with the walk (as well as this blog post) there can be more awareness for Autism!

Michelle - I have fallen in love with your photograhy. Your nephews are absolutely adorable. I am an early intervention therapist with Autistic children, so I understand the struggles your family are facing. I will keep you in my thoughts.