Enter our “This Is What Autism Looks Like” Essay Contest

One in 110. One in 88. Six months. As much as $60,000 per year.

Autism has always been a story told through statistics. From the incidence of autism a few years ago, to what it is now, to the earliest age at which symptoms may appear, to the annual costs of treating an autistic child, it’s through these statistics that we’ve come to know autism better. For most of us, autism is a pie chart, a bar graph, a percentage. It’s rarely the mom on the floor teaching vowel sounds, or the dad in the waiting room of an early intervention center, or the little boy totally immersed in a world of Legos.

Autism is a story that should be told by people, not just numbers. Parenting wants your help telling that story. 

We invite you to enter Parenting’s “This Is What Autism Looks Like”essay contest. We want moms and dads with a child on the spectrum to share their personal stories. What does autism look like in your home? What are your unique challenges and joys? Can you share a moment or memory that illustrates your child’s special qualities?

One winner will receive an all-expenses-paid family vacation to The Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort in Curacao (see below for details), a $500 donation to the autism organization of your choice, and the chance to appear in Parenting. Two runners-up will receive a $500 donation to the autism organization of their choice.

Click here to enter, and then share with others in the ASD community. By sharing your story and spreading the word, we can put a face on autism.

About the grand prize: The Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort is located on Curacao, a Caribbean island with an eclectic mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Relax on one of the 35 beaches, explore the distinctive architecture, museums, and world-class shopping, indulge in a vast selection of flavorful restaurants with a mix of sophisticated international and tasty local cuisines, and abundant natural beauty, pristine dive sites and spectacular snorkeling. To learn more, please visit curacao.com.