How much do you know about Autism? It is never late to learn more and bring awareness to autism, something not all of us experience every day. The more we learn, the more successful we become in connecting with other people.
April is the World Autism Awareness Month. It is a good time for all of us to peek into the facts of people and families living with this condition every day of their lives.
Light It Up Blue for Greater Understanding and Acceptance
Here are some facts about Autism that we can learn from.
Autism is frequently referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
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. Autism Speaks urges parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.
Autism Awareness Fact
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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.
Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal.
Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability.
Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias.
Organizations Delivering Solutions to Autism
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Autism Speaks enhances lives today and is accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.
We just recently, around the beginning of this year, found out that my 3 year old son has Sensory Processing Disorder and is on the Autism Spectrum. It was pretty scary at first but we are currently working with his Developmental Therapists. We got blue bulbs for the front porch and also have t-shirts to wear from the month of April! #LightitUpBlue
This is very close and dear to my family’s hearts as I have a mild form of autism and a close family friend of our’s son was just diagnosed with autism. Thank you very much for sharing this information. Shared on twitter @kaflickinger74
This is such a lovely post. I appreciate you sharing this as I have a mild form of autism, and I have a good friend who’s child was just diagnosed with autism. I feel that People, adults and children need to be more educated about autism. Again, thank you for sharing as this is a cause close and dear to my heart.
Kimberly,
The Autism Awareness needs a massive educational campaign that every single one or us is aware about the things that a person with Autism is going through. There are enough cases and people in this country to make this education country-wide.
I have two nephews and a niece with autism. This is great to bring awareness and acceptance. I hear nothing but bad things about autism speaks not actually helping autistic children.
Some people feel very strongly about calling themselves Autistic (with a capital A), others like to be referred to as a person with autism, and still others like to say they’re on the autism spectrum.
Chubskulit,
Yes, the schools do their portion of bringing awareness to Autism. This is one of the leading themes for the public schools in educating their students about the issue and diversity among students. I truly appreciate it, too.
Ive heard a lot about Autism and even know somebody whose child has autism, but I don’t know all the facts about it like the symptoms, etc. Thanks for this!
Thank-you so much for the conversation about autism. We have close friends with an autistic child and my goodness .. I take my hat off to them. I’m not sure I could handle it with the same amount of grace. Their love for their son shines through in every way and you can tell he feels it too. He’s such a sweetie to be around.
My Best friends 5 year old son is on the Spectrum. I will never pretend to understand how hard it can be for her some days. She is doing it on her own and has an older child that is not on the spectrum as well. I have to tell you though, her son, even though he is non-verbal, speaks volumes with his joyous eyes. He really is such a gem.
I am not super familiar with the autism spectrum. However, it is similar to my daughter’s hearing impairment. Autism awareness is important so that people understand the signs and symptoms. Thank you for sharing.
April is “Autism Awareness Month” – a time to promote awareness, acceptance and attention to those people who are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.
I think everyone knows someone with autism these days, it seems there are more diagnosis’s being made than ever before. Spreading and raising awareness like this is a big help, this is great!
It’s sad that so many people with special needs (rather physical, emotional, developmental, mental, etc) lose access to things they need just because they had a birthday. Becoming one day older doesn’t mean that they suddenly no longer need assistance.
It is crazy how common autism is nowadays. I know I might get flack for this, but I do believe it is mostly related to the food we eat and the toxic chemicals inside of vaccines. Just seems to be wayyyyy too common otherwise.
What a great post! I think many people ‘think’ they know what autism is or have preconceived ideas, but in actuality they don’t know. The quiz is awesome!!
My kids have a best friend with autism, we used to live by them for 8 years (recently moved, but are still friends!) I’ve learned a lot about autism through my old neighbors/friends… Love this awareness month for a good cause : )
I absolutely love this! I have a friend whose child has autism. It took far, far too long for their child to be diagnosed, and people around the family still didn’t understand what it meant.
37 thoughts on “Bring Awareness to Autism by Learning More About It”
I thought I knew everything about autism; however, I learn something new all the time.
It is amazing how much there is out there about autism now a days, so much information. Thank you for sharing this.
I have shared this with my friends and family who know how much this means to me. I appreciate you as well for sharing it on your blog.
I would love to contribute more if I could; however, I do not who to contact regarding so. Thank you for sharing this post.
Everybody wins by bringing this topic into the light,bless all the families out there !
I love the pictures of the children you used in this post, and I appreciate you bringing awareness to autism more than you know.
We just recently, around the beginning of this year, found out that my 3 year old son has Sensory Processing Disorder and is on the Autism Spectrum. It was pretty scary at first but we are currently working with his Developmental Therapists. We got blue bulbs for the front porch and also have t-shirts to wear from the month of April! #LightitUpBlue
This is very close and dear to my family’s hearts as I have a mild form of autism and a close family friend of our’s son was just diagnosed with autism. Thank you very much for sharing this information. Shared on twitter @kaflickinger74
This is such a lovely post. I appreciate you sharing this as I have a mild form of autism, and I have a good friend who’s child was just diagnosed with autism. I feel that People, adults and children need to be more educated about autism. Again, thank you for sharing as this is a cause close and dear to my heart.
Kimberly,
The Autism Awareness needs a massive educational campaign that every single one or us is aware about the things that a person with Autism is going through. There are enough cases and people in this country to make this education country-wide.
I have two nephews and a niece with autism. This is great to bring awareness and acceptance. I hear nothing but bad things about autism speaks not actually helping autistic children.
i would love to have more things done for them i have family member that have it
Some people feel very strongly about calling themselves Autistic (with a capital A), others like to be referred to as a person with autism, and still others like to say they’re on the autism spectrum.
Great way to get people to pay attention to a very worthy cause
I am happy to see so much talk about Autism awareness. I’ve seen a lot of blue lights and social media post.
My son came home today from school and told me a story about autism.I am glad that their school is bringing more awareness about it.
Chubskulit,
Yes, the schools do their portion of bringing awareness to Autism. This is one of the leading themes for the public schools in educating their students about the issue and diversity among students. I truly appreciate it, too.
Ive heard a lot about Autism and even know somebody whose child has autism, but I don’t know all the facts about it like the symptoms, etc. Thanks for this!
Lynndee,
That is why little things like a quick test on Autism is really empowering to give us knowledge and insights about the people with Autism.
So great that you presented this. Everyone loses nothing from helping out a cause.
We all only gain! Win-Win to everyone.
Thank-you so much for the conversation about autism. We have close friends with an autistic child and my goodness .. I take my hat off to them. I’m not sure I could handle it with the same amount of grace. Their love for their son shines through in every way and you can tell he feels it too. He’s such a sweetie to be around.
This is such an important topic. I have a couple friends who have little ones that have autism. They are a joy to be around!
My Best friends 5 year old son is on the Spectrum. I will never pretend to understand how hard it can be for her some days. She is doing it on her own and has an older child that is not on the spectrum as well. I have to tell you though, her son, even though he is non-verbal, speaks volumes with his joyous eyes. He really is such a gem.
I did not know April was World Autism Month. I am not very familiar with autism, so posts like these help shed light and awareness – thanks!
I am not super familiar with the autism spectrum. However, it is similar to my daughter’s hearing impairment. Autism awareness is important so that people understand the signs and symptoms. Thank you for sharing.
April is “Autism Awareness Month” – a time to promote awareness, acceptance and attention to those people who are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.
I think everyone knows someone with autism these days, it seems there are more diagnosis’s being made than ever before. Spreading and raising awareness like this is a big help, this is great!
There are so many people affected by autism. It’s great that there is an awareness month. This will help us know more about autism.
It’s sad that so many people with special needs (rather physical, emotional, developmental, mental, etc) lose access to things they need just because they had a birthday. Becoming one day older doesn’t mean that they suddenly no longer need assistance.
Absolutely agree. One day older, 18 (must have outgrown it) by social security standards.
It is crazy how common autism is nowadays. I know I might get flack for this, but I do believe it is mostly related to the food we eat and the toxic chemicals inside of vaccines. Just seems to be wayyyyy too common otherwise.
What a great post! I think many people ‘think’ they know what autism is or have preconceived ideas, but in actuality they don’t know. The quiz is awesome!!
Thank you so much for raising Autism awareness! We need more understanding and love in the world!
My kids have a best friend with autism, we used to live by them for 8 years (recently moved, but are still friends!) I’ve learned a lot about autism through my old neighbors/friends… Love this awareness month for a good cause : )
I didn’t know anything really about autism. I feel like some subjects are not talked about a lot in the wider world!
I absolutely love this! I have a friend whose child has autism. It took far, far too long for their child to be diagnosed, and people around the family still didn’t understand what it meant.