October Awareness: Autism
What Is Autism?
Autism is neurological disorder involving a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, nonverbal communication, and speech.
How to Recognize an Autistic Friend
Individuals with autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have differences in the way their brains develop and process information. As a result, they face significant communication, social, and behavior challenges that may affect daily life. Such behaviors can include repeatedly rocking motions, hyper behavior like constant pacing, or fixation on certain objects or activities.
How Can We Support the Autistic Community?
Understanding, Acceptance, and Integration.
Approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States today suffer from autism. It is one of the most common developmental disabilities, and ASD research aims to provide a better understanding of potential treatments and enhance the life of autistic individuals.
Autism awareness encourages society to not only understanding the disorder, but accept it without stigmas of fear, shame, or ignorance. Understanding is a stepping stone to empathy and support, which then calls forth acceptance.
On a community level, start by sharing personal stories that reveal that autism does not mean helplessness. Reiterate the fact that individuals with ASD can pursue their passions just as much as neurotypical individuals do. To help…
Learn the signs of autism.
Post on social platforms on World Autism Day (April 2nd).
Visit an artistic child and paint with them!
Although autism may not affect you personally, autism awareness seeks to enhance the lives of autistic individuals today and strive to accelerate solutions for tomorrow.
Want to Learn More?
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/resources-refs/partner-org-support.html to discover more about vaccines and the importance of immunization.
How YOU Can Help!
Treat everyone equally and learn about the beauty of autism.
This October:
Help advocate for the community this month by learning about blue/teal pumpkins.
If that doesn’t fit your style, reach out to your local school district and see how YOU can interact with those with autism in your community.
Please remember, those with autism are still people — kids, teens, adults, just like you! They love doing what you do, so please share the love with them!
Donations
National
“The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.”
California
“We provide advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates” (Autism Society of America).