Since April is Autism Awareness Month, we thought we we’d take a moment to … well, raise awareness.
According to the Autism Society, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a development disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Some of the behaviors associated with ASD include:
- Delayed language learning
- Little to no eye contact
- Poor motor skills, repetitive motor mannerisms
- Difficulty with reasoning and planning
- Narrow, concentrated interests
No knows exactly what causes autism, but it’s believed to affect 3.5 million Americans. There’s this, too …
You can find lots more helpful information online at the Autism Society or here at Autism Speaks.
There’s no “cure” for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the lives of children with the disorder.
So, here are a couple ways to help:
- Start a conversation by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon. Learn about it here.
- Support those organizations dedicated to serving children and families affected by autism.
Two good places to start are Autism Speaks and the Autism Society.
Working together to raise tolerance and understanding, we can create a more inclusive community for those living with autism.
What about you? Do you know someone dealing with autism? How do you support them?