Autism Matters Blog Hop 2017

Welcome to a Very Special Blog Hop!  I'm honored to team up with some very talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Friends from all over the country to shed light (#lightitupblue) and bring awareness to autism. April is Autism Awareness Month.  You are at Candy Rattray, sweetstamper.com blog.  If you get lost at any time along the way, I have all the blog hop participants listed and linked blow.  So just scroll down…

Did you know:  1 in 50 Children living in the US has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Many of us know families (or are those families) with children on the spectrum.  I invite you to help me show support for those with autism as well as their caregivers (usually parents). While you're being inspired with the simple beauty of the special card I designed for #lightitupblue autism matters, I hope you find it in your heart to donate even a tiny amount below.  Simply click my Donate Button, and the full amount of your donation will go directly to Autism Speaks.

Every $1 matters, so please don't hesitate to give…large or small!

My card for today is blue–of course!  #lightitupblue is the national campaign to help bring awareness to the challenges of autism.  So my color scheme was predetermined.  I chose the group of dragonflies in flight to symbolize the freedom of imagination that all of us–even those with autism–can enjoy.  I love the way they sparkle since I cut them out from the Silver Glimmer Paper!  They light up the card!  And I chose the sentiment aka words from the Flourishing Phrases stamp set because it speaks of the uniqueness of individuals with autism and the blessing they are to our world.  It's actually a quick and easy card–my usual style!

In sharing autism awareness, did you know that in the United States, one in 98 boys are diagnosed with autism, and 24,000 people are diagnosed with autism for the first time every year?  It is increasingly common, and awareness helps all of us to more effectively embrace these special ones into our community and lives.  

Dogs have been shown to improve autistic children’s quality of life, independence, and safety. The presence of a trained dog can reduce aggressive behavior, calm the child, and serve as a link to the child’s community.  As a huge dog-lover, this does not surprise me.  Man's best friend helps so many people!

You can DONATE NOW to Autism Speaks and help this worthy cause.  

By teaming up with other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators across the USA, we can make a bigger difference, because together, we can do more!  Please consider giving even a small amount.  Every dollar helps.

All products used in my card are listed and linked below.  That is something I do in all my blog posts for your convenience and information.

Thanks so very much for stopping by today.  Again, you are at Candy Rattray, sweetstamper.com blog.  Now, head on over to the next stop on today's Autism Awareness Blog Hop and get more creative inspiration and autism awareness information! #LightItUpBlue!