For Connecticut mom Shannon Knall, each day provides teachable moments to enlighten the world about autism. Her nine-year-old son Jack was diagnosed with it at the age of two. Since then, Shannon has worked relentlessly to educate school staff, community members, and state and federal legislators about the needs of her son, and others with autism. Shannon even founded a free autism awareness boot camp, a one and half hour program offered in schools, libraries, YMCA, church groups, and similar venues throughout her state. Taught by Shannon, and moms she has trained, the boot camp directs newly-diagnosed families to resources; helps teachers recognize the symptoms; and explains autism to parents and kids who are unfamiliar with it, so that they can be more understanding and tolerant of children in their schools and community who may have it. “I believe that raising awareness about my child, and children like him, is the best way to make the world OK for him,” says Shannon, who also has two other boys, Patrick, six and Jameson, four.

Even if you can’t imagine spearheading a boot camp, or you aren’t on a first-name basis with your congressperson, Shannon says there are still small things you can do every single day that will make a big difference for your child.  Her top tips are next