It affects 1 in 88 children (1 out of 54 boys), it’s the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., receives 5% less of research funding of many less prevalent diseases in children, and can cost a family $60,000 a year on average…it’s Autism.
Today may seem like any average day, April might just be any average month of April to you. Your about a month or two away from graduations, summer vacations, the weather is getting nicer and your making more plans to spend more time with your friends and family outdoors. Life is about to be its busy self as it usally is at this time of year. Well one thing you may not be aware of is April is Autism Awareness month and today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day! So take a quick break from your busy schedule and spread the awareness for a good cause.
What is Autism?
Autism is a disorder in brain development and has many sub-disorders such as autistic disorder, Rett syndrome childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive development disorner and Asperger syndrome. These disorders are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal/non-verbal communication and repetitive like behaviors.
Children who have Autism or one of it’s sub-disorders excel in music, math, art and have strong visual skills. Symptoms can start to show around 2 or 3-years of age.
What symptoms should I look for?
Some symptoms may include but are not limited to:
- Repetitive behaviors – watching the same movie multiple times
- Delayed Speech
- Lack of imaginative play
- Sensitive to light or loud noises
- Echolalia – repetition of sounds or phrases spoken by another person
- Self harm
- Functions best/has a need for routine
How can I show my support for Autism?
Last year the Empire State Building lit up the building with blue lights on April 2nd, you may not be able to lit up a your house or office building blue but there are other ways you can show your support.
If you have a form of social media, change your profile picture to a puzzle piece or a infographic letting your autism light shine!
Purchase merchandise from Autism Speaks.
Build-A-Bear is offering a special edition blue bear and for each purchase a $1 will be donated to fund Autism research.
Penny Royal jewelry is offering a silver puzzle-piece necklace and 20% of its sales will also be donated to benefit Autism.
Learn more about World Autism Day and how to light it up blue on the official Facebook page.
