Meet Sarah: beautiful, kind, sweet, filled with joy, gentle spirited. Sarah confided in me that she had not been photographed professionally since her wedding day five years ago. So often individuals wait for a special occasion – an engagement, a wedding, the birth of a child – to set time aside for professional photography. But there is beauty in everyday moments. I want my clients to remember today, right now, the sweet simple moments of their life just as it is.

This is Sarah.

Enjoying life in this moment – no special occasion needed.

The Governor of New Mexico, Susana Martinez, signed House Bill 22 into law today providing autism coverage for state and public employees. This is an important step towards providing affordable services to all individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism is a neurobiological disorder that effects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys. While there is no cure; early intervention is key. The following “red flags” may indicate that your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder and should be further evaluated by his/her pediatrician:

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age

For more information about autism spectrum disorders and for resources in your area, visit Autism Speaks or The New Mexico Autism Society.