Autism Ribbon – A Way to Say You Care

It is not very clear who invented this concept of wearing a ribbon to show your concern for a medical problem, but whoever did it, did a great service to mankind. People all over the world have worn many ribbons whenever there has been a health crisis. The wearing of the ribbon not only shows that you care; it also promotes awareness and empathy - sometimes the most important weapons of all.

The most popular ribbon in the recent past has been the red AIDS ribbon that shows that people all over the world can unite to fight against common concerns without paying attention to nationality, religion or geographic location.

The Autism Ribbon – One among Many

The autism ribbon is a very aptly designed ribbon – a ribbon printed with tiny multicolored puzzles. The puzzle pieces symbolize the enigma that this disorder stands for. Despite many years and millions of dollars invested in research on autism and a possible cure, medical science has made no progress. The affliction is a puzzle; the people affected by this disorder too are a puzzle to society.

Wearing the autism ribbon increases awareness among the masses about this disorder and creates better understanding of the immense obstacles the parents of such children face in their effort to make these children physically and financially self-sufficient. Actually, this is the one of the most draining concerns of most parents – 'what will happen after we are no more?' Taking care of an autistic person is emotionally draining and if the result is placement in a sanatorium, it is very expensive.

Many rallies have contributed to the establishment of many foundations for the care of those autistic people who have no one to take care of them. Unfortunately, though they are otherwise healthy, they themselves are incapable to look after themselves because the disorder blocks their interest in any 'worldly matters'. Left alone, they would drift into death because they would not socialize, work or ask for help in case of need.

People who keep wearing the autism ribbon are actually the torchbearers for this cause; through their efforts, a number of awareness campaigns have been organized as well as fundraisers. A lot of empathy is necessary for this unexplained and unsolvable malady and the more people that join their hands in this fight, the better. Wear the autism ribbon and show you care – this little effort can mean a lot to the people who care for an autistic person; it may also prompt others to support the fight, and who knows, someday we may find a cure.