April is Autism Awareness Month Plus Rafi Nova Sensory Friendly Masks GIVEAWAY #Partner 4/16

***Disclosure: I received product and information to facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***

April is Autism Awareness Month! If you're like me, you've likely been touched by Autism, whether directly or indirectly. I have several friends whose kiddos are on the Spectrum, and they are some truly fantastic humans, who just happen to see and experience the world a bit differently than their neurotypical peers. 

For individuals with autism and other sensory processing challenges or disabilities, mask wearing can be difficult. A face covering introduces multiple new stimuli, including the fabric's sensation, the pressure of tight elastic bands and the heat and moisture from breath inside the mask.

In today's world, this has become quite the challenge for families with members on the Autism Spectrum. It's actually more common than you might think. Here are some quick facts:
 
According to the CDC, about one-in-54 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). About one-in-six children aged 3–17 years (17%) were diagnosed with a developmental disability as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009-2017, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, blindness and cerebral palsy, among others. Per the Autism Society, ASD is the fastest growing developmental disorder U.S. with 3.5 million+ individuals on the spectrum in the U.S.; 500,000 autistic individuals are transitioning to adulthood.

This is where Rafi Nova shines, and can literally save the day! They have partnered with the folks at Easter Seals and created Sensory-Friendly masks that are friendly to those with Sensory issues, such as those on the Autism Spectrum.

​Rafi Nova, the premier New England mask maker, has partnered with ESSC to design a mask with reduced stimuli to address the concerns of people with sensory sensitivities, consulting more than a dozen of Easterseals’ therapists and other licensed and certified staff and working with people who receive services from ESSC, as well as their families and other community members. Over a three-month period, multiple prototypes were tested and revised to achieve a maximally beneficial mask—soft, structured, safe, secure—that provides both comfort and function.

Features of the Mask Include:

• Softness:  100% Mulberry silk lining reduces friction and adjustable jersey knit straps clasp behind the head instead of pinching the ears.
• Structured:  Minimal design and limited seaming. 
• Secure:  Adjustable nose bridge ensures the perfect fit and decreases glasses fogging. 
• Safe:  Special construction lifts the mask off the mouth and highly breathable cotton is used on the exterior.
• Durability: The mask has an antibacterial layer and is reusable and machine washable
•  Ease:  A clasp on the back ensures ease of putting on and removal. When not on the face, the mask may safely remain on the person and not be lost thanks to an extra strap feature that fastens it behind the neck. 
• Social Story:  Comes with a visual storytelling designed by therapists that helps children understand mask-wearing necessity. 

We have been using our Rafi Nova Sensory Masks when we've gone out, and they are supremely comfortable and easy to wear, even for the kiddos. In fact, while my kids aren't on the Autism Spectrum themselves, they have remarked time and time again how they prefer the Rafi Nova masks to any others they have worn over the past year. These are more comfortable all around, especially on the face and the ears. We especially appreciate the back clasp. It definitely comes in very handy! 

These Sensory-Friendly masks are phenomenal, and come highly recommended. They're soft, incredibly durable, and have minimal seams, etc, making them an ideal choice for those with Sensory issues. 

The Sensory-Friendly Mask retails for $14 (child sizes) and $16 (adults). Available in light blue, light pink, hunter green, black and “Over the Moon” (kids sizes only) HERE. 

Connect with Rafi Nova :

You can learn more about the awesomeness that Rafi Nova has to offer on their website. 

A portion of each purchase will be donated to Easterseals Southern California when you use code: ESSC

You can also follow them on Facebook and on Instagram to stay on top of Rafi Nova's latest news, products and promotions. 

Enter to WIN a 3-Pack of Masks:

I am thrilled to announce that one lucky reader will receive a 3-Pack of Sensory-Friendly Masks from the awesome folks at Rafi Nova! 
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​How cool is that?!

This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ until 12:00AM EST on April 16, 2021. Winner will be drawn using Rafflecopter's Random Number Generator. All entries will be verified, so play fair! I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram in any way. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. If you have any questions, please contact Brandy at newlycrunchymamaof3@gmail.com Thanks for entering, and Good Luck!

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