I have spoken with many parents of autistic children and, understandably most are stressed. Among the stresses there seems to be a common theme amongst some of the more vocal parents over the support they are getting from their local school district. They feel the financial and administrative support isn't sufficient for their child.

It is widely known that one-on-one help for autistic children is indeed the very best thing to help them learn and educate them. Of course, there is no way that the school districts can pay for this, as the classroom sizes in many of America's schools are exceeding 30 children and if a school district has 150 total Autistic and Special Needs Children that additional cost could bankrupt the district and alienate other parents in the community.

Indeed, there is no reason parents of autistic and special needs children can not promote the cause of education for these children, seeking volunteers, training, and donated supplies for this problem.

Some simple ideas for promoting the need is a video to play on Cable TV under the community media programs in their area to explain this problem and find volunteers who want to help the school as assistants for the one-on-one programs. They can do radio Public Service Announcements. They can also set up a small booth or table at local events. These few ideas can often be conducted at no cost if the parents approach the organizers or station owners with the reason why they wish a free spot.

Most communities are very supportive. Network with local organizations, such as the local church or fire company to see if they are willing to participate by allowing you a booth. At such events, you can promote awareness by selling related items, such as the Autism Bracelet. (CLICK HERE if you would like to purchase bracelets for fund raising.)

Although the Federal Government and State has provided funding for special needs children's education, we can not demand that the government and taxpayers to pay the entire bill when parents can directly contribute with a community effort to create awareness, donations, and support. Although it is not the autistic parent’s responsibility, past their own son or daughter, I think we can and must get together. We need to think beyond the standard design of the educational program funding.

Promote your own awareness program through a Website, eBook and literature so that others can learn how to do it, as well. As we enter 2010, with the economic misfortunes of so many and taxpayers burdened to the brink, we must find alternatives to our special needs children's educational requirements by using creative funding techniques.

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