Meet Hayden. He is my best friend’s 5-year-old son and he is autistic. Hayden wasn’t diagnosed until age 4 because he is what they refer to as “high functioning”…meaning that he can make eye contact & hold a conversation with you. But, he does have the sensory issues & social adjustment challenges that are classically associated with autism. Still, he is one of the sweetest boys you will ever meet – with such a sensitive spirit & a kind heart. We have had a special bond since the moment I first met him. I’ve watched my best friend fight to get him the services, care & schooling that he needs and comforted her as she has wept, thinking of all the challenges he will face growing up with this disorder.
So many families are affected by autism and Hayden’s story is just one among thousands. Unfortunately, there are countless cases much more severe than his. Since knowing him, I have become passionate about learning as much as I can about this disorder & helping to raise awareness. So I was thrilled when I learned that Stella & Dot has created a special line of jewelry, whose sales will benefit an organization dedicated to providing care for those living with autism. During the month of April, 20% of the retail sales from their Autism Awareness Collection will be donated to the HollyRod Foundation.
Any one of these beautiful pieces would make a perfect & meaningful gift for a birthday, anniversary or Mother’s Day…but even more important is the difference your purchase can make in the lives of families who are dealing with autism. You can shop the collection here and learn more about the great work the HollyRod Foundation is doing here.
wow thank you for sharing about your friends son! autism awareness really is so important! and the line is absolutely gorgeous will def look into getting some of those pieces for myself or as a gift for another thanks! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com
Hallo Austin, you are very charming young lad, hope this post raises many sales to improve the quality of your life, and to allow you to enjoy a happy childhood.
FF
Oh my, thank you so much for posting this, Kimberly: I know no one affected by this disorder, thus my knowledge is rather limited (which I'm not proud of). Hayden looks like a beautiful boy, and I keep all my fingers crossed for him, so he can grow up into a happy man.
I love a great collection for a useful cause, so I'll definitely be checking that Stella & Dot collection out!
xx Ivana
Macarons and Pearls
I love this post. I am definitely planning on purchasing a few items from the S&D collection for such a great cause. Thanks for raising awareness!
-Classy Chic & Chardonnay
http://cchicc3.wordpress.com/
Such a handsome boy!! What Hayden needs is not only the awarness about Autism in the society but an open hearted acceptance about Autism too.
Stella & Dot line is beautiful and glad that the fashion could help a great cause! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style Delights Blog
I also have a 5 yr old son, Jack, who has autism and he is my little ray of sunshine and makes my heart smile! Thank you and all the other bloggers who have used your blogs as a way of furthering autism awareness. God bless you.
Thanks for posting about an important issue. My daughter is autistic and is the sweetest thing. They are such special children and I have learned so much about life from them. I can't wait to purchase some of the jewelry. Shout out to Stella & Dot too for benefiting a great cause.
Thank you so much for sharing this! The collection is gorgeous, even more so because it's going towards such a worthy cause.
I definitely know where I'll be purchasing a Mother's Day gift this year 🙂
Love this thoughtful post, and seeing that sweet little boy. Autism has come a long way in terms of awareness over the past few years, and I appreciate how brands like Stella & Dot are getting behind the cause.
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
I have a co-worker who's son was diagnosed with aspergers a couple of years ago. So this really resonates with us. Thank you for sharing this story! : )
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
Thank you so much for sharing!
I learned a lot about this important cause when i worked for oprah radio and holly was a host – thanks for highlighting this!
Thanks you for sharing this beautiful post. He is a beautiful little boy. God bless him! Autism touches everyone's lives… where you know someone or you have a child with it. Please tell you friend she is in my prayers and so is her beautiful little boy.
Sofia
stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for sharing! My son is high functioning as well but also has so many special gifts – will be sharing the Stella and Dot link with all my friends!
thanks for sharing and posting about something so important!
xo Andrea
http://www.sophisticatedsass.com
Good post — my brother in law is severely autistic and will never be able to live on his own. It's something that affects the whole family. Hopefully researches will eventually be able to come up with some answers!
http://www.sequindoll.com/
Wow what a story thank you for sharing Kimberly! What a great cause, and great awareness, I think I will be working with Stella & Dot in the future too about this cause for April. Love the bracelet.
XO Chelsea http://shesaidhesaid-fashion.blogspot.com/
Very very cool!!! I love the Tree of Life necklace too, I've been wanting it. Now that I know that it will help people I think I'm going to have to get it. 🙂
I love that S&D supports such a great cause.
I have a good friend that is a behavioral analyst and works with autistic kids everyday. My nephew also has auspergers
Great cause
Brett
Amazing look! Amazing blog! I love, love, love everything in your blog.
I love your blog! Nice outfit!
I would love for you to stop by my page too and hopefully you support me by following me! I can't wait for your next post.Thanks
http://www.be-youtifull.com.
ps: ShillCat Women's Accessories is given away an amazing jewelry. Take a look at this link:
http://www.be-youtifull.com/2013/04/a-few-of-my-favorite-pieces-from_13.html