Lemonade Day recognizes Autism Awareness Month
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April is Autism Awareness Month to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism. According to the Autism Speaks website, “Autism prevalence is now one in every 88 children in America; that’s a ten-fold increase in prevalence over the last 40 years. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.” Lemonade Day includes many community organizations that work with children with development disorders or differences, including groups like Social Motion Skills who works with children and teens that have social integration difficulties, like those with autism and autism spectrum disorder. It is important to note that each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills, and many have normal to above average intelligence. Still others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently.*
Last year, I got the pleasure of working with Wendy Dawson and the kids with Social Motion Skills on a few occasions …
Building their lemonade stands,
Hosting guests to talk about their lessons,
and running their business at Discovery Green on Lemonade Day.
Photo by Elaine Mesker-Garcia/EMG Images
Photo by Elaine Mesker-Garcia/EMG Images
This year the Social Motion crew will be out in full force participating in Lemonade Day all around the Greater Houston area. Wendy Dawson, Director and Founder, adds “Social Motion Skills is proud to offer multiple stands this year proving that kids with autism and learning differences benefit from real world entrepreneurship practice just like their peers! Our students embrace the lessons of design, budgeting, salesmanship and giving back to the community that supports them. The Lemonade Day project is a fantastic way to break down basic business skills for all learning levels and supports our goals of future independence and job readiness for our students. The kids love the action and camaraderie associated with this event and leave feeling like they have accomplished a REAL goal, which they have!”
On May 6th see these kids in action at the following locations around Houston, TX:
