Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Key Facts and Milestones

Why Not You? Why Not Now? If you had the chance to save up to three lives in under an hour—no cape, no superpowers needed —would you do it? On June 14, we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, and here in Australia, it’s also National Blood Donor Week—a time to pause and thank everyday legends who give a little to make a massive difference. But let’s be real: this isn’t just a celebration. It’s a call to action. Because while 1 in 3 Aussies will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, only 1 in 30 actually donates. That’s a whole lot of Aussies counting on a very small, very generous group of people to keep the rest of us alive. The Real-Life Impact of One Small Act It might feel like a small thing—lying back for 10 minutes, squeezing a stress ball, and enjoying a free juice—but blood donation keeps Australia’s health system moving. Every single donation goes further than you might think. It could be used in a life-saving surgery, during a cancer patient’s treatment, or to help someone recover from a major car accident. Then there’s plasma—the golden liquid used in over 18 different medical treatments. Plasma is used to help patients with cancer, burns, immune deficiencies, haemophilia, kidney conditions, and more. And the need for plasma is growing fast. In fact, plasma donations are now the most in-demand donation type in Australia. Think your one donation won’t make a difference? Let’s talk about James Harrison, the Aussie known as the “Man with the Golden Arm.” After life-saving surgery in his teens, James pledged to give back—and he did, 1,173 times over more than six decades. His rare blood was used to help make an injection that saved 2.4 million Australian babies from a deadly condition called Rh disease. James passed away peacefully earlier this year at age 88, and his legacy reminds us what one person—just one—can do. Why People Don't Donate (And Why Those Reasons Might Not Hold Up) We get it. Life’s busy. Needles aren’t exactly a crowd favourite. You’ve got work deadlines, travel plans, or maybe a low-iron warning from that one blood test in 2012 still rings in your ears. But let’s be honest: a lot of us are counting ourselves out without really checking if we’re in. Some of the most common reasons people don’t donate? “I’ve got tattoos or piercings.” Totally fine—usually you only need to wait four months after getting them. “I’ve travelled recently.” Travel exclusions aren’t what they used to be. Check the latest guidelines—you might already be cleared. “I’m on medication.” Lots of medications are donation-safe. When in doubt, just ask. “It takes too long.” Most donations take less than an hour—faster than your average dentist appointment and infinitely more fun (plus better snacks). “I thought I couldn’t.” That’s the big one. A lot of people think they’re ineligible when they’re not. In fact, more than 13 million Australians may be eligible but aren’t donating. So if it’s been a while—or if you’ve never donated—now’s the time to check. Because every four minutes, Australia needs a new donor to meet demand. That’s not a once-in-a-while thing. It’s a constant , and right now, the need is the greatest it’s been in nearly a decade. Thinking About Donating for the First Time? We know the first step can feel like the biggest one. But honestly? It’s not scary. It’s actually kind of… great. Lifeblood donation centres are friendly, chill, and welcoming. You’ll be greeted with smiles, helped every step of the way, and get to relax afterwards with a snack! Here are some quick tips to make your first donation feel easy (and rewarding). And here’s a little bonus: studies have shown that people who give blood regularly often report feeling healthier, happier, and more connected to their community. So yes, it actually feels good to help others . 

As we hit the halfway mark of the year, May serves as a crucial reminder to pause, reflect, and check in — not just with ourselves but with those around us.