Autism Awareness

For those of you who didn't know, April is Autism Awareness Month. I know today is the last day of the month, but it's important to me that Autism Awareness spreads through the whole year, not just the month of April.

Did you know that Autism affects 1 in 68 children?

Or that Autism costs a family an average of $60,000 a year?

Or that boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have Autism?

Or that vaccinations DO NOT cause Autism?

Or that early intervention can help an individual with Autism cope with the diagnosis and the challenges that come with it?

According to Autism Speaks:

"Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by social-interaction difficulties, communication challenges and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. However, symptoms and their severity vary widely across these three core areas. Taken together, they may result in relatively mild challenges for someone on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. For others, symptoms may be more severe, as when repetitive behaviors and lack of spoken language interfere with everyday life.

(...) The basic symptoms of autism are often accompanied other medical conditions and challenges. These, too, can vary widely in severity.

While autism is usually a life-long condition, all children and adults benefit from interventions, or therapies, that can reduce symptoms and increase skills and abilities. Although it is best to begin intervention as soon as possible, the benefits of therapy can continue throughout life."

Autism isn't a diagnosis that just affects children. More than 3.5 million Americans live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Buescher et al, 2014, courtesy of Autism Society). Adults need help adjusting to society as much, if not more, than children do.

An individual with Autism struggles with the diagnosis every day. Many do not seek employment or post-graduate education after high school. Some require full-time care throughout their lives.

This month kicked off with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. The theme of the day is "Light It Up Blue" for Autism Awareness. Millions of people participate, and tons of iconic buildings and landmarks worldwide "Light It Up Blue".

Niagara Falls; Photo Courtesy of Autism Speaks

The Great Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza; Photo Courtesy of Autism Speaks

Of course the giant and I had to participate, too.

Autism Awareness is something I hold deep in my heart. My sweet nephew was diagnosed with Autism a couple years ago. He is funny, smart, creative, and loving. He melts my heart all the time. He has a hilarious quirkiness that makes him just a little bit different. But don't we all?

I have also had the privilege of teaching several kids with Autism when I worked at the Oklahoma State University Child Development Laboratory. Those kids have forever touched my heart, and have taught me how to love unconditionally. Their parents have also inspired me in how much they are willing to fight for what is good for their kids.

Autism doesn't mean less. It means different.

I encourage you to help raise awareness for Autism. Look into some of the facts about Autism. If you can, donate to help Autism research. More funds means more research, and more research means more answers for families and individuals.