Are You Going to Speak Up for Autism Awareness this April?

Medical tools required to diagnose autismOrganizations like the Autism Society and Autism Speaks have been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month for the last four decades. If you have not yet heard about this public awareness event, it is a special opportunity to help raise awareness and educate the public about this medical condition and the challenges facing the autism community.

For the last seven years, Autism Awareness Month has been kicked off with World Autism Awareness Day which is on April 2nd. This motivates organizations from around the world to work together to set up unique events that help raise needed funds and autism awareness amongst local communities. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to share their own stories and pictures during the month of April.

What is Autism?

Autism (otherwise known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD) is a term used to describe a group of complex brain development disorders. These particular disorders are often characterized by the following:

  • Difficulties with routine social interactions
  • Problems with nonverbal and verbal communication
  • Adoption of certain repetitive behaviors

Prior to 2013, autistic disorders had been classified as separate subtypes, including:

  • Autistic disorder
  • Asperger syndrome
  • Childhood disintegrative disorder
  • Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Last year, leading neurologists combined all autism disorders under a single diagnosis of ASD following the release of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual.

Characteristics of Autism

Autism has been associated with a variety of complications, including:

  • Problems maintaining focus
  • Issues with motor coordination
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Complications that can inhibit normal sleeping patterns
  • Gastrointestinal problems

At the same time, many people diagnosed with autism have exhibited extraordinary capabilities when it comes to:

  • Music
  • Art
  • Math
  • Visual Perceptual skills

Autism clinical studies suggest that this condition initiates during the earliest stages of brain development. Most patients start to exhibit autistic symptoms between the ages of 2 and 3. Research has shown that behavioral therapies can produce significant outcomes for patients if applied very early, so many organizations are working to fund more research on improving methods of early diagnosis.

How Common is Autism?

Toddler exhibiting early signs of autismThe CDC released a report which stated that nearly 1 in every 68 children born in the US is afflicted with autism. This number actually represents a tenfold jump in the prevalence of ASD over the last 40 years. Some of this is the result of improved methods of diagnosis and more awareness in general.

Autism research has shown that this condition is significantly more common amongst boys than girls in the US:

  • Estimated that 1 in every 42 boys are diagnosed with autism
  • Estimated that 1 in every 189 girls are diagnosed with autism

There are currently millions of people living with ASD in America and tons more around the globe. The data suggests that the prevalence of this medical condition is on the rise, but it’s not too late for you to take up the banner in the effort to advocate for change to improve the lives of those impacted by autism– everyone can help.

Want to Get Involved this April?

Feeling inspired to get involved in your community this April? You’d be surprised by the difference one voice can make when it comes to achieving more positive outcomes. Here are a just a few ways you can become an advocate for Autism Awareness Month:

  • Put the official Autism Awareness Month logo on your personal blog, facebook page, or any other social media site.
  • Get in contact with your local and federal representatives and ask them to “Vote 4 Autism.”
  • Wear the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon on your shirt, put a sticker on your car, and be sure to tell others in your community why you’re putting on the puzzle!
  • Talk to local affiliates in your community about setting up an event this April.
  • Sign up for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks, the organization’s premier fundraising and awareness event.
  • Take the time to talk to friends and family about this awareness event and why it’s important.

We highly recommend looking into local events that might be taking place for Autism Awareness Month in your local community. If you’re interested in learning more about ASD, we also recommend checking out the Autism Society and Autism Speaks.

Categories:
Autism