Fearless - Thriving with a Diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum - Autism Awareness Month

The dictionary defines "fearless" as "without fear; bold or brave; courageous; intrepid."

Firefighters are often viewed as, and believed to be, fearless. Fear is present in our lives, but how people respond to that fear is what makes him or her fearless. Facing our fear by moving into a mindset that says, "I will move forward despite the fear" is how we at CCFR define fearless. Moving forward looks different to different people. For some, it's fighting death at every turn. For others, it's accepting that death awaits us all and embracing the time we have left to enjoy life to the fullest. Being fearless can be either.

1 in every 100 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Recent statistics indicate that autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000.

The range of abilities on the autism spectrum is as wide and diverse as our general population, and yet we often overlook the beauty and ability of the person within by what see on the outside.

CCFR's Fearless campaign puts into action our mission of "Working Together, Supporting Our Community." Through the Fearless campaign, we hope to increase awareness about autism raise funds toward research and prevention, and support those living with, fighting, and surviving on the autism spectrum. Even more than a month-long campaign, Fearless is a mindset that seeks to offer support and hope for a future without autism and a present that supports full inclusion.

The CCFR Community Outreach has partnered with The Center For Autism Education, a local non-profit whose mission is “is to accommodate the needs of everyone we serve in a respectful, supportive, and safe environment." We support their core values of Acceptance, Inclusion, and Growth.

Through this cooperative effort, we will showcase several families in our community who we see as Fearless...who are living with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Through our Fearless video campaign, we hope to bring awareness to the struggles the fighters, survivors and thrivers face as they navigate life on the autism spectrum...

Follow the link to learn more about The Center For Autism Education.

The Fearless campaign and video series is an informational effort by Central County Fire & Rescue in partnership with the CCFR Community Outreach and The Center For Autism Education to educate the community about autism in order to bring awareness and support in meeting our mission of Working Together, Supporting Our Community.