{"id":3837,"date":"2021-04-02T16:28:13","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T16:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/?p=3837"},"modified":"2021-04-05T20:11:13","modified_gmt":"2021-04-05T20:11:13","slug":"celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating ASD Adoptions &#038; World Autism Awareness Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\" data-wp-editing=\"1\">April 2<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is designated as World Autism Awareness Day,\u00a0and it\u2019s\u00a0the perfect time to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">p<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">r<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ovide\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a few<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0helpful<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0tips to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0those who have adopted or are considering adopting\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a child<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Did You know?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/autism\/data.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"broken_link\">Center for Disease Control\u00a0and Prevention (CDC)<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>states that the prevalence of autism\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rose<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from\u00a0<em>1 in 125<\/em>\u00a0in 2004 to\u00a0<em>1 in 54<\/em>\u00a0in 2016<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0It\u2019s important to note that children with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ASD<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0are\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">more\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">likely to end up in the foster care system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This environment of unpredictability and change is quite scary for any child, especially for ASD children.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How can parents<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0help\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">thei<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">r child adapt comfortabl<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">y<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">new home environment?<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Below are a few tips to help\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">transition<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create Consistency<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And no, we don\u2019t mean that you\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">must<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0become<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0like<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bill Murray\u2019s character<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Phil Connors<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0forever stuck in a loop on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Groundhog\u2019s Day.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0However, d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eveloping a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">daily\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">routine is an integral part of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">every\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">child\u2019s growth<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and happiness<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">especially\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">crucial for<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0foster and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">adopted\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">children with ASD.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Predictability of daily routines can set your child up for success.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Few\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Suggestion<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rom\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">P<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">arents of\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hildren with ASD:<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Allow older children to be a part of creating their routine.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sit down with them and ask what routines they<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2018ve<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">had<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in place<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in the past<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Reinstating old<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0tasks\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in a new place can be\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a source of comfort for them<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Write down daily\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">routine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0on a piece of paper where the child can see them. If the child\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cannot<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0read, draw or take pictures of them completing\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">each<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0step and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">post the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0images<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0on the wall<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for reference.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0For example, a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">morning<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0routine could include<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0pictures of them<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eating breakfast,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">brushing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0their<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">teeth,\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">grabbing their backpack for school.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A soft-sounding timer or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a visual\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">alarm is a useful cue to begin each daily task. When each step is complete,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">don\u2019t forget\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to provide task-specific<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, positive<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0praise<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consistency is key! Regular habits and schedules help children with ASD feel<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0connected and safe<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2657 aligncenter lazy-loaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Kids-LIst-300x251.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Kids-LIst-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Kids-LIst-768x644.png 768w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Kids-LIst.png 940w\" alt=\"Autism Routine Chart\" width=\"488\" height=\"409\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Kids-LIst-300x251.png\" data-srcset=\"\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Build Trust and Respect<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Aretha Franklin\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">was completely<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0right when she sang \u201cR-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.\u201d Learning to build\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an adopted child\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">trust and earn their respe<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ct is all about learning th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">eir<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">person<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ality<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is especially true for children with ASD who often fixate on special interests<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Does your child love facts about sharks? Ask them for a new fact each day! Do they love to draw? Have a special space to post their picture of the week.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Become engaged and supportive in their interests and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">do your best to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">communicate with them\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in a way they understand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oftentimes, children with ASD are literal.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Building trust means communicating with them effectively. Sarcasm and jokes often end in confusion and hu<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rt feelings<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with an ASD child<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Learn your child\u2019s way of communicating<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and expressing their emotions<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and mimic it<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. If they are nonverbal,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">this\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/expert-opinion\/seven-ways-help-your-child-nonverbal-autism-speak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">blog on autismspeaks.org<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is a great resource for\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">creative ways to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">communicat<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0with your child.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2658 aligncenter lazy-loaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ASD-Teen-and-father-300x251.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 489px) 100vw, 489px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ASD-Teen-and-father-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ASD-Teen-and-father-768x644.png 768w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ASD-Teen-and-father.png 940w\" alt=\"ASD Teens and father\" width=\"489\" height=\"410\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ASD-Teen-and-father-300x251.png\" data-srcset=\"\" \/><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Patience, <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Patience, Patience<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019ve all seen the Disney cartoons where Donald Duck<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019s short-fuse is displayed through his red face rising like a temperature gauge about to burst. By that point, we\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ll know that poor Donald is stressed out because things aren\u2019t going his way. But how do we, as parents, make sure our gauge never reaches those limits?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s simple. Start with empathy, not anger. Many adopted ASD children<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0have had<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to deal with<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">huge amount\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">of trauma in their lives. Stop and think about the escalating situation\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0breathe deeply. Ask yourself what you can do to help de-escalate the moment<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The most important thing you can do for your child is to remain calm<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hey look to you as the prime example of how to behave.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If a difficult task is the source of the meltdown, help\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">break down the big obstacle into smaller<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, more manageable<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0pieces. Always remember,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">patience and love will go a long way in building a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">supportive,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0trust-<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">illed environment for your child.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2659 aligncenter lazy-loaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Calm-300x251.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Calm-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Calm-768x644.png 768w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Calm.png 940w\" alt=\"Calm\" width=\"488\" height=\"409\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Calm-300x251.png\" data-srcset=\"\" \/><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Self-Care<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is Essential<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s a reason why flight attendants always caution passengers to secure their own\u00a0oxygen masks before assisting others. The concept is simpl<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">e. If you don\u2019t take the time to care for yourself, you won\u2019t be in any shape to help others. The same concept applies<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0when adopting a special needs child.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Take a break to enjoy the simple things.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Below are some ways to relax and indulge in self-care:<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">S<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">et aside time each day to do the things you enjoy.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Surround yourself with supportive family and friends.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Join a Support Group and interact with them regularly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep a journal and jot down the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0positive points<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">your<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> day or moments that made you laugh or smile.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy-loaded aligncenter wp-image-2660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/journaling-300x251.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/journaling-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/journaling-768x644.png 768w, https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/journaling.png 940w\" alt=\"journaling combats stress\" width=\"488\" height=\"409\" data-lazy-type=\"image\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/journaling-300x251.png\" data-srcset=\"\" \/><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<h1><strong style=\"color: #666666; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 1.25rem;\">Know Your Resources<span style=\"color: #666666; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 1.25rem;\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adopting a child with ASD is a truly wonderful experience. It\u2019s important to know that you are not alone in your journey and there are many resources avail<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">able to you and your family.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">*We recognize that all children with ASD have unique needs and personalities. This blog is not intended to be a one-size-fits-all solution<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, rather an idea generator implemented at the reader\u2019s own discretion<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The above tips and suggestions are\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">not\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">provided\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or reviewed by a medical doctor, and it is always wise to consult a physician before implementing<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0any strategy or advice you read online<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>April 2nd\u00a0is designated as World Autism Awareness Day,\u00a0and it\u2019s\u00a0the perfect time to\u00a0provide\u00a0a few\u00a0helpful\u00a0tips to\u00a0those who have adopted or are considering adopting\u00a0a child\u00a0with\u00a0Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).\u00a0\u00a0 Did You know? The\u00a0Center for <\/p>\n<div class=\"btn-more-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/\" class=\"post-read-more\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Celebrating ASD Adoptions &#038; World Autism Awareness Day&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":3834,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[89,87,91,86,90,95,93,94,92,88],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.13 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Celebrating ASD Adoptions &amp; World Autism Awareness Day - Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Adopting a child with ASD is a truly wonderful experience. It\u2019s important to know that you are not alone in your journey and there are many resources available to you and your family.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Celebrating ASD Adoptions &amp; World Autism Awareness Day - Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Adopting a child with ASD is a truly wonderful experience. It\u2019s important to know that you are not alone in your journey and there are many resources available to you and your family.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/heartofadoptionsallianceinc\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-04-02T16:28:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-04-05T20:11:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/HOAA-WAAD.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"940\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"788\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Brittney Bagiardi\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@HeartofAlliance\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@HeartofAlliance\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Brittney Bagiardi\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Brittney Bagiardi\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/#\/schema\/person\/191af7f13358f4e4944115f0abaaef2d\"},\"headline\":\"Celebrating ASD Adoptions &#038; World Autism Awareness Day\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-02T16:28:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-04-05T20:11:13+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/\"},\"wordCount\":933,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"Adoptions\",\"ASD\",\"ASD Adoptions\",\"Autism\",\"Autism Adoptions\",\"Heart of Adoptions\",\"Heart of Adoptions Alliance\",\"Hearts to Home program\",\"special needs adoptions\",\"World Autism Awareness Day\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/celebrating-asd-adoptions-world-autism-awareness-day\/\",\"name\":\"Celebrating ASD Adoptions & World Autism Awareness Day - Heart of Adoptions Alliance, Inc.\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hoaa.heartofadoptions.com\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-02T16:28:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-04-05T20:11:13+00:00\",\"description\":\"Adopting a child with ASD is a truly wonderful experience. 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