APRIL is AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH. Let us educate ourselves on the needs of those in the spectrum & at the same time, express our support to those who are caring for them. May our world be a safe & loving place for people with autism, most especially the kids.💛 #AutismAwareness
April is Autism Awareness Month. First observed in 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Awareness Month is meant to call attention to the condition itself and promote acceptance and inclusivity of the individuals whose lives it effects.
In this article, we explore what autism is and what you can
do to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and support the community.
What is Autism?
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a
complex condition characterized by neurodevelopmental delays, difficulties
communicating, and impairment in social interactions. Autism is considered a
spectrum because each person experiences the condition in a unique way.
Though there is a common set of criteria that define ASD,
there is no single way in which these characteristics are expressed. For
instance, one child may display no outward indications of ASD while another may
require significant assistance with everyday tasks, making their condition more
observable.
Common signs of ASD include (1):
- Reduced
eye contact
- Lack
of facial expressions
- Does
not engage in imaginative play
- Repeats
words, phrases, or movements
- Hyperactivity
or inattentive behavior
- Obsessive
interests
- Delayed
cognitive, movement, and/or language skills
There is no cure for autism, but there are many therapeutic
and educational resources that can help alleviate the challenges associated
with the condition. Common treatment methods include Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Occupational Therapy, Speech
Therapy, Physical Therapy, and early childhood intervention.(2)
Why is Awareness Important?
People often assume a person with autism is
“high-functioning” or “normal” if they are able to speak and interact with the
world in a relatively easy way. Conversely, people also assume that a person
who doesn’t speak or who requires substantial every day support is abnormal or
incapable of expressing themselves meaningfully. This is the stigma that Autism
Awareness Month aims to erase.
Individuals with autism are just that—individuals. They come
in all shapes and sizes, with likes, dislikes, skills, and challenges.
Promoting Autism Awareness Month is a way to celebrate the individuality of
those who make up the ASD community and let them know they are valued for more
than just their condition.
Considering ASD is one of the most common childhood
disabilities, with 1 in 44 children diagnosed,3 it’s more important than ever
to support and uplift the community through acceptance, inclusion, and
awareness.
What Can You Do to Help?
If you want to get involved, there are several ways to give
back to the ASD community and work toward a more inclusive world. Here are some
options to consider:
- Donate:
If you would like to make a charitable contribution to an organization
that researches ASD or provides support to those with the condition, here
are 20 charities that are worth looking into. Before donating, be sure to
thoroughly research the organization to ensure your contribution is spent
in a way that aligns with your charitable goals.
- Participate:
Many organizations have local chapters that host events or need
volunteers. Connect with your local organizations to find out how you can
get involved.
- Educate:
One of the best ways to support Autism Awareness Month is to learn more
about the condition and educate those around you. Learning to recognize
autism and the attached stigma is the first step in raising awareness and
keeping the ASD community safe from shame, myths, and assumptions.
- Advocate: Support legislative bills that aim to protect and improve the quality of life for people with autism. Contact your local representatives to share your thoughts and express the importance of legislative action.
As a community, we can all help make a difference.
By promoting awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autism, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals on the spectrum. Support can be as simple as learning more about autism and sharing that knowledge with others or as impactful as advocating for policy changes that promote access and equity for individuals with autism.