Autism Awareness Month
April is National Autism Awareness Month. People with Autism spectrum Disorder tend to have challenges with social communication and social interaction. They can also have repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. According the the Autism Society, more than 3.5 million Americans live with this neurodevelopmental issue.
According to Autism Speaks, Autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. The Center for disease Control, (CDC) estimates Autism’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults and lose school-based autism services each year.
According the the Autism Society, more than 3.5 million Americans live with a form autism. The Autism Society has launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve while also deserving the highest quality of life possible.
National Autism Awareness Month represents an opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to the tens of thousands facing an autism diagnosis. The best way to participate is by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon or get involved with many Autism Society local affiliates holding special events in our communities throughout the month of April.